The Ambassador of the Year award recognized Susan Powers. From left are Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Chief of Staff of Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez’s office Matt Hedges, Ambassador of the Year Susan Powers, Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Senator Roger Niello and Congressman Ami Bera's Office staff member Josh Gumacal. Photo courtesy of Ron Cassity

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce held its 67th annual Community Awards Dinner on March 13 at the Citrus Town Event Center, honoring the extraordinary individuals and organizations that make the community thrive before a crowd of more than 200 guests.

The event, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., was a night of celebration, with awards recognizing the outstanding achievements in various categories, including public service, business and community advocacy.

Brianna Tripp from PRIDE Industries Career Hub selects a cake during the dessert run at the Community Awards Dinner. Photo courtesy of Ron Cassity

Small Business of the Year was awarded to All Stage Canine Development, a company recognized for its impact on the community by helping families build strong, healthy relationships with their pets.

“They are more than just a dog training business; they are a cornerstone of our community, fostering connections between families and their beloved pets,” Ambassador Al Gonzalez said.

The Non-Profit of the Year award went to Hearts 4 Heroes USA, an organization dedicated to supporting first responders’ mental health and well-being.

“This year’s recipient has demonstrated extraordinary commitment in supporting the mental health of our first responders. Through their invaluable work, they have provided therapy dogs for first responders offering comfort and emotional support. Their unwavering dedication to the emotional wellness of those who protect and serve us is truly commendable,” said Citrus Heights Chamber Chair, Dr. Gabrielle Rasi.

Hearts 4 Heroes USA also shared their gratitude: “Thank you everyone who has valued and inspired and impacted our first responders. It has been a true honor for us to place these dogs with fire departments and police departments. To date, we have placed 22 dogs within a year and a half, and we went national in our very first year,” said founder Shelly Martell.

Hearts 4 Heroes USA won Non-Profit of the Year award. From left in the back row are Chief of Staff of Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez’s office Matt Hedges, Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Senator Roger Niello, Karen West, Retired Assistant Folsom Fire Chief Mark Piacentini, Congressman Ami Bera’s Office staff member Josh Gumacal, Retired Roseville Firefighter Paramedic Dan Salois, Al Gonzalez. In the front row are Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Citrus Heights Police Department Commander Mike Wells, Rescue Fire Department Fire Captain Brett Jones, Founder of Hearts 4 Heroes USA Shelley and Bruce Martell, and dogs Ellie and Ash. Photo courtesy of Ron Cassity

The Ambassador of the Year award recognized Susan Powers for her exceptional commitment to fostering connections within the chamber.

“Susan has been a driving force in fostering connections, welcoming new businesses, and ensuring that every member feels valued and supported. Her enthusiasm, commitment and leadership make her an integral part of the chamber family. Susan, thank you for your hard work, your dedication, your constant positive energy and your friendship,” said Ambassador Chair Annah Rulon.

Powers expressed her gratitude, “Being part of the chamber and being more involved in the community has changed me as a person. I am so honored to be on this stage and thank you for recognizing me. This is my family and I love Citrus Heights.”

The City Staff Chamber Champion award honored Meghan Huber, the Economic Development and Community director for the City of Citrus Heights.

Chamber Executive Director Sheri Merrick commended Huber for her role in driving economic growth, creating opportunities and strengthening partnerships.

The City Staff Chamber Champion award honored Meghan Huber. From left are Sheri Merrick, executive director at Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, and Meghan Huber, the Economic Development and Community director for the City of Citrus Heights. Photo courtesy of Ron Cassity

“The city staff chamber award recognizes the dedicated city official who has gone above and beyond in fostering collaboration between the business community and the City of Citrus Heights. Her leadership, vision and her commitment to strengthening partnership in the city and the chamber have been invaluable. Her passion and dedication to the success and sustainability of Citrus Heights businesses has made a lasting impact and the chamber is forever grateful,” said Merrick

Huber expressed her appreciation, saying, “What we embark on is an equation of public/ private partnership. In the private sector, you are the entrepreneurs, the makers and dreamers, and the magic creators. The other side of the equation, what the public sector does, is three things. We are facilitators, brokers and catalysts of dreams. I want to share this award with Sheri because I can’t do my job without her. So may we all ever complete each other’s equations and make magic together.”

State Senator Roger Niello was named Community Advocate of the Year for his advocacy efforts supporting local business growth and economic development.

“Senator Niello has been instrumental in championing initiatives that support global business, reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic development,” said Chamber of Commerce Vice-Chair Amanda Camacho.

In his acceptance speech, Niello shared his gratitude, saying, “I am only as good as my staff. Citrus Heights is a very special community to me and I love this community.”

State Senator Roger Niello was honored as Community Advocate of the Year, with the award presented by Chamber of Commerce Vice-Chair Amanda Camacho. Photo courtesy of Ron Cassity

Police Chief Alex Turcotte presented the Police Officer of the Year award to the General Investigations & Impact Unit of the Citrus Heights Police Department. This year, for the first time, the award was given to a group of dedicated officers who have been instrumental in safeguarding local businesses and handling a variety of critical cases.

“This year, we decided to honor a group. This group of investigators has been dedicated to our local businesses throughout this year,” Turcotte said. “They have handled everything from homicide cases to child sex crimes but this year, they have been really focused on organized retail theft. In their efforts, creativity, innovation and application of technology, they have brought over 500 suspects to justice.”

Their efforts include securing the first successful fentanyl homicide case and increasing the recovery of stolen property by more than 40%.

Metro Fire’s Deputy Chief Tyler Wagaman celebrated Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn with the Firefighter of the Year award.

“This is a very prestigious award, something I hold dear to my heart because I was a recipient of it many years ago,” Wagaman said. “At Metro Fire, we are committed to our core values of integrity, teamwork, professionalism and devotion. Chief Parker Wilbourn exemplifies these core principles through his outstanding leadership and collaborate spirit. His pride in serving is evident in this unwavering loyalty and commitment to the community.”

Sacramento Metro Fire’s Deputy Chief Tyler Wagaman celebrated Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn with the Firefighter of the Year award. From left are Metro Fire’s Deputy Chief Tyler Wagaman, Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn and Ambassador Al Gonzalez. Photo courtesy of Ron Cassity

Wilbourn acknowledged the support of his colleagues, stating, “I speak on behalf of Metro Fire; we have a phenomenal relationship with the city and our representatives, and our law enforcement brothers and sisters.”

Last but not least, Jeannie Bruins, a longtime city advocate, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her years of dedicated service.

“Her dedication, passion, and countless contributions to the success of our city make her truly deserving of this recognition,” said board member Andrew Van Duker

Bruins accepted the award, saying, “I was one of many people who took the hope of an idea to have our own city, be in control of our own government and make a better life for the people here. What an amazing community this is.”

Jeannie Bruins, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, stands alongside Ambassador Al Gonzalez. Photo courtesy of Ron Cassity

The evening featured a delicious dinner, live entertainment and a chance to win incredible door prizes, including a diamond ring and a barbecue. Attendees also participated in a “dessert run,” where each table donated money and the highest donor had the chance to pick their dessert first.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefit the local nonprofit organization of the year, Hearts 4 Heroes USA, continuing to support the positive impact on the Citrus Heights community.

“It is truly an honor to stand in front of you tonight to celebrate the individuals and organizations that make Citrus Heights such a special place,” Rasi said. “Our community thrives because of the dedication, innovation and hard work of so many. Tonight, we not only celebrate our award recipients but also recognize the collective effort that drives our city’s success.”