Top Citizens and Businesses Honored in Solvang at Chamber of Commerce Dinner

Solvang has honored its top businesses and community members.

The annual awards dinner last night attracted a cross section of the city and many long time families.

Awards were given out for categories including small and large businesses, employee of the year, non profits and public service.
The volunteer of the year, was businessman Glen Jacobsen with Kj Concrete Construction. He takes part in countless community events and is a key organizer in the annual Danish Days.

“Solvang is the right size community to volunteer in. You do get to see the rewards coming back in a small town. It’s the right size to do good things for a large group of people,” said Jacobsen. He says often, after an event he sees the return on the fundraising immediately.

One of the honorees, the Santa Ynez Band Of Chumash Indians, announced they planned to have their new hotel finished and ready for a grand opening in May.

The tribe has 1800 employees and is hiring now for their new addition under construction on Highway 246 on the reservation property.

(more details and video will be added later)

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Solvang Chamber of Commerce Award Winners
January 28, 2016 Root 246 Restaurant

Merit Awards, Non-profit – People Helping People – Becky Barieau; Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital – Kathy Erb
Winery of the Year – Buttonwood Vineyard
Restaurant of the Year – CHOMP
Public Service Award – Santa Barbara County Fire Department – Station 30
Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Atterdag Village – Chris Parker
City Employee of the Year – Brad Vidro
Ambassador of the Year – Tracy Farhad
Most Philanthropic of the Year – Montecito Bank & Trust
Linda Johansen Spirit of the Community Award – Glen Jacobsen
Small Business of the Year – Art Kaslow, DDS
Large Business of the Year – Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Employee of the Year – Ellen Hall
Tourism Organization of the Year – Santa Barbara Vintners- Morgen McLaughlin