The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce last Friday appointed its new chairperson and announced awards to community leaders at its annual Installation Dinner at the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club.
Charles Gale, the principal government and regional affairs representative with the Metropolitan Water District, was installed as the Chair of the Board for the Chamber of Commerce.
Diane Cagle was named Woman of the Year. Cagle, the wife of former councilman Chris Cagle and a former council candidate herself, was awarded based on her ongoing efforts for better government and her involvement in various civic activities, including Sister Cities delegations and the Redondo Beach Art Group.
“She brings a special sparkle to everything she does,” said Nina Zak Laddon, the co-founder of RBAG.
Jim Chen was named Man of the Year. Chen is a former race car driver who founded Independent Repair on Artesia Boulevard 37 years ago and has become one of the most quietly influential businessmen in the city. He is CERT member, a Rotarian, a supporter the Sister Cities Committee, and a generous philanthropist who has supported numerous causes in the city, particularly the new North Branch Library.
“He embodies the criteria of a model citizen with an exceptional devotion and profound commitment to Redondo Beach,” said Herb Masi, a former Man of the Year who presented to Chen this year.
Three other awards were also presented. Beach Cities Health District CEO Susan Burden and Redondo Beach Unified School District Superintendent Steven Keller were given the Chairman’s Award, which recognized their leadership in forming a productive and collaborative relationship between their two organizations. City records management coordinator Susan Lynn Brown was recognized as the “2011 City Employee of the Year” for her quiet diligence and dedication to improving quality of life in the city. And City Manager Bill Workman received special recognition for his leadership in the city and Chamber’s “More to Sea” branding campaign. ER
