Mammoth Lakes, CA – November 10, 2025
For Immediate Release
Business Excellence Awards Gala Highlights Ripple Effect of Success
The Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted its 9th Annual Business Excellence Awards Gala on November 6, 2025 at Canyon Lodge, honoring standout businesses, organizations, and individuals whose work strengthens Mammoth Lakes. With 180 attendees from across the business community, the evening reinforced the Chamber’s ongoing role as a connector, champion, and voice for local business success.
This year’s Gala embraced the theme “The Ripple Effect of Excellence,” celebrating the idea that the positive impact of one business reaches far beyond— influencing employees, customers, the local workforce, and the community at large.
President & CEO Brianna Goico said, “Tonight isn’t just about awards— it’s about acknowledging the businesses, teams, and individuals who show up for this community every day. Their success strengthens our economy, our workforce, and our quality of life.”
The 2025 Gala set new records, with the highest number of nominee submissions and the largest value of raffle prize donations from local businesses and partners. Returning emcee Jeremy Goico brought humor, insight, and community pride to the program, keeping the energy high as finalists were recognized and winners announced.
The Business of the Year award went to Breakfast Club, owned by Sergio Moreno, who expressed: “Our customers are like family, and we feel blessed to be part of this town. Being recognized by the community we love means everything to us.”
This year also introduced a new award category—the Tourism Champion Award—recognizing an individual whose exceptional contributions have significantly advanced tourism and demonstrated the value of visitation to the community. The inaugural honor went to Anna Allen, from Mammoth Mountain’s Host Department, for her leadership, dedication, and role in enhancing the visitor experience.
Board Chair Alisa Mokler Harper added, “We’re a small town with big dreams—and when we say yes to one another, we grow stronger. Thank you for your commitment to excellence.”
As part of the evening’s program, Alisa also took a moment to recognize outgoing board member Andrea Walker, owner of Stellar Brew & Natural Café and past Board Chair, who served the Chamber and the local business community for more than a decade.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came when all finalists were asked to stand and be collectively honored in front of their peers.
During the ceremonies, the Chamber shared a special message from U.S. Congressman Kevin Kiley, who, though unable to attend, sent a congratulatory video which was played on the big screen for Gala guests.
The Chamber also recognized public servants and elected officials in attendance: Mono County Sheriff Ingrid Braun, Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Jennifer Kreitz, Board of Supervisors Chair Lynda Salcido, Town Manager Rob Patterson, Town Councilor Brent Truax, Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Rice, and Mayor Chris Bubser.
The Chamber extends deep appreciation to event sponsors—including Presenting Sponsor Vons and the many businesses and organizations that contributed raffle prizes, centerpiece gifts, décor, and more to make the event possible.
The Chamber celebrates all finalists and winners for the leadership, dedication, and local impact they bring to Mammoth Lakes.
2025 Winners:
- Non-Profit of the Year: Volunteer Eastern Sierra (VES)
- New Business of the Year: Local Scoop, Mammoth
- Customer Service Person of the Year: Fernando Villalpando (Vons)
- Business Front of the Year: Mammoth Brewing Co. & The EATery
- Young Professional of the Year: Cassidy Moyer (Mammoth Disposal)
- Tourism Champion of the Year: Anna Allen, Mammoth Mountain (Host Department)
- Business Person of the Year: Billy Deaver (Black Velvet, The Shed, Mammoth Pizza Co.)
- Business of the Year: Breakfast Club
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