IRVINE, Calif. – June 1, 2009 –On a night when the Irvine Chamber was celebrating its 30th anniversary at the event aptly named “30 Rocks!”, the Chamber turned the spotlight on the individuals that support the community through their actions and their involvement, by handing out six awards.

For the first time ever, the 2008 Citizen of the Year award was given to two individuals: Nancy Chase and Dr. Nancy Cheng. Chase was recognized for volunteering for numerous organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Families Forward, the Jewish Federation of Orange County, and the National Charity League. Dr. Cheng was recognized for her involvement in senior services and cultural awareness programs, including Irvine Senior Citizens Council, Orange County Senior Citizen Advisory Council, and the Irvine Multicultural Association.

The Chamber also honored several of its members for their commitment to the organization. Ellen Wright, a relationship manager for BTA Advisory Group, was selected as 2008 Member of the Year, while Steve Churm, chairman of the Irvine Chamber Board and president of Churm Media, was honored with the Jamie Trevor Business Leadership Award for dedicating so much time to the organization and providing creative inspiration for his fellow board members.

Finally, the Irvine Chamber Educational Political Action Committee (ICEPAC) recognized three individuals for their political leadership in the community. William J. Kelley, Chairman of ICEPAC, handed out an award in three business leadership categories: local, state and national. Wayne Lindholm, vice president of Hensel Phelps Construction Co., was honored for his local involvement, while the State and National business leadership awards were presented to Assemblyman Chuck DeVore and Congressman John Campbell, respectively.

The event, presented by Hoag Hospital, brought nearly 200 individuals together to celebrate the Chamber’s 30-year history and build relationships for the future as the Irvine Chamber lays out its plans for the next year and the decade ahead.

“The Irvine Chamber is thankful to all the members, volunteers and government representatives that have made this organization one of the best business resources in the region,” said Tallia Hart, president/C.E.O. of the Irvine Chamber. “Thirty years is a significant benchmark for us, but we refuse to rely on our history to carry us into the future. The Irvine Chamber will remain vigilant when representing the business community and providing them with an environment to succeed.”

About Irvine Chamber
The Irvine Chamber of Commerce represents roughly 1,000 local companies and is a premier business member organization dedicated to serving as advocates for pertinent issues affecting the local business community, while serving as a vehicle to promote business and community development in Irvine. For more information about the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, please call (949) 660-9112, or visit www.irvinechamber.com.