Luis “Louie” Natividad has proudly served on the National City Council for the past 10 years and served as Vice Mayor in 2010. In addition to his duties at City Hall, he is currently a Council Representative for the City of San Diego - Council District 4, which borders National City.

He has represented National City in the 2010 Census to ensure a complete count and help secure much needed federal funds to the city. He has been dedicating his life to community involvement and civic participation in National City since 1965.

Prior to becoming an elected official, he was involved with many non-profit organiza-tions he established the San Diego Food Bank, where he served as the organization’s first Executive Director. He is a former Executive Director of the Chicano Federation of San Diego County and worked for the Neighborhood House Association. He also co-founded National City-based Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC) – which has grown to become South Bay’s largest private nonprofit human service agency.

Mr. Natividad graduated from Sweetwater High School and Southwestern College. He has raised his family in National City. He is married to his wife, Pat, and is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Annual Dinner Film DirectorsAmerica “Mary” Donatto, Social Security AdministrationCarla “Davis” Holland, San Diego SBDCCharles “Addams” Reilley, Marketing and Public Relations Enemias “Kojak” Rocha, South County Workforce PartnershipEstrellita “Joli” Basa, Navy Federal Credit UnionGloria “Vanderbilt” Lopez, Windor Gardens of San DiegoJeff “Bogart” Redondo, Invictus AdvisorsKaren “Welch” McManus, American West BankLuisa “Bradshaw” McCarthy, La Vista Memorial ParkMarvin “Denzel” Harrison, Considine & ConsidineNathen “J. Fox” Triplett, Point Loma Credit UnionShirley “McClain” Ferrill, Associate Member

Jacqueline “Onasis” Reynoso, President & CEOMartha “Bacall” Bolanos, Office ManagerStephanni “Shakira” Casas, Green Business CoordinatorArmando “Olmos” Rodriguez, Marketing DirectorIrma “Getty” Islas, Membership Coordinator

National City Chamber of Commerce All-Star Staff

Louis “Louie” NatividadLife Time Achievement Honoree

The National City Chamber of Commerce honors an outstanding advo-cate and representative of the National City Business Community. This individual commits to serving each individual chamber member with the upmost respect, dignity, and grace I have observed over my past 7 years with this organization.

They are a tremendous asset to the chamber, and to the community at large – giving of their time, insight, talent, and sharing their keen knowl-edge of our chamber programs, activities, events, and advocacy efforts with the community.

The inaugural Chamber Champion Award was inspired by this individual’s tireless efforts to ensure that our members remain the number one priority and that thriving businesses are recognized for their achievements. Moreover, the chamber champion helps to identify businesses in need of our assistance and speaks up for them when they choose to remain in the shadows.

Irma Islas has been assisting the chamber for over 25 years and is one of our most valued contributors to the growth and prosperity of our member businesses.

She has served as a volunteer for each of our 7 annual events including this Annual Dinner, the Mariachi Festival and Competition, the Career Pathways to success Job Fair, National City Day at the San Diego County Fair, the Kile Morgan Memorial Golf Tournament, the Automobile Heritage Day Festival and Car Show, and the end of the Year Holiday Fiesta Mixer. And if that’s not enough, she also assists with all of our Chamber breakfast meet-ings, workshops, fund development, and donation requests. And she does this in the name of the National City Chamber of Commerce.

Truly, Irma has been a boost to our membership services, employee morale, and one of the most dynamic and positive people I know.

We appreciate you, Irma and thank you for being a true champion for the Chamber.

Chamber Champion

Irma Islas

A special thank you to all our committee members, sponsors, and volunteers that made this event possible.

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2014 Business of the Year Nominees

As part of Dr Pepper Snapple Group, 7UP Bottling Company is committed to fostering active, engaged and sustainable communities where its employees live and work. In 2014, 7UP made a significant impact on businesses, schools and local non-profits in National City.

Led by Moises Iavarone, Hispanic Sales Execution Market-ing Manager, 7UP has been a loyal sponsor for nearly every event hosted in National City, including the 3rd Annual Mariachi Festival and Workshops, Kile Morgan Golf Tournament, Fourth of July Carnival, Relay for Life, Automobile Heri-tage Day, Dia De Los Muertos, and the National City Employee Picnic. These sponsorships have helped drive thousands of dollars in economic benefit to the community, city, and National City Schools. In the past year alone, 7UP sponsorship and product donations helped El Toyon Elementary raise $10,000.

Over the years, 7UP has been involved in numerous local community events, and Moi-ses has been on point for the company in National City, aligning the company’s brands and business objectives with the city’s vision and needs. At every step of the way, he is building relationships and collaborating to help ensure a successful event from end to end -- and bringing fun, refreshment and flavor to the occasion. His diligent involvement has deepened the company’s roots in National City, with more event organizers approaching him to make 7UP a prominent part of their events.

7UP BOTTLING COMPANY

PASHA AUTOMOTIVE

First opened in 1990, this state-of-the art automotive terminal operation now offers a 180-acre facility exclusively controlled by Pasha with five berths, up to 4,275 feet in length, draft of 35 feet, over eight acres of processing facilities undercover, 120 rail car spaces served by the BNSF and ready access to major highways and rail connections.

This strategically placed port facility has experienced continuous expansion and currently processes up to 400,000 units annually. The terminal includes post-pro-duction facilities where factory-trained mechanics accessorize the vehicles to produce a dealer-ready product. At the heart of the San Diego operation is a management team dedicated to quality, service and customer satisfaction. Pasha’s maritime services manages stevedoring operations. Currently Pasha is the largest employer and a great contributer to the National City community. His company has contributed thousands of dollars and man hours to benefit local nonprofit organizations and serves as an esteemed member of the National City Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Circle. As Vice President, John Pasha is actively engaged in business development and community affairs including his leadership on the San Diego Port Tenants Association board.

2014 Business of the Year Nominees

SDG&E

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

San Diego Gas & Electric is committed to the National City Green Business Program, helping to green area businesses in the past year through strategic partnerships and their investment in the Emerging Cities grant awarded to National City. They supported the creation of the Green Business Program Coordinator position at the Chamber and continue to support outreach and educational activities throughout the region.

SDG&E’s Direct Install program has resulted in thousands of dollars saved by local enter-prises. SDG&E is a model business and a major player in redefining the business land-scape through corporate giving and community involvement. In 2011, a building that began as a grocery store in the 1950s is now a place where you’ll find the latest in energy and environmental technologies. In 2013, over 30,000 people visited this community resource.

SDG&E’s operations and infrastructure that deliver safe, reliable, and increasingly renew-able power continue to be engines of local jobs and economic development in San Diego.SDG&E also supports the local economy through support for community colleges, cham-bers of commerce, economic development corporations, workforce development organi-zations, and other non-profits that provide technical and other assistance to help micro- to medium-sized businesses create and retain jobs.

Southwest Airlines’ extraordinary commitment to the National City Chamber of Commerce and its surrounding communities has been spearheaded by Lidia Martinez, Community Affairs and Grassroots Manager.

With her support, Southwest Airlines sponsored the Mariachi Festival Student Showcase and Workshops that were held at the University of San Diego, by providing all travel accommodations for workshops instructors.

As the Official Airline Sponsor of the National City Chamber of Commerce, we are honored with their exemplary community involvement with other organizations such as, MANA de San Diego, Latina Business Women Association, and countless other nonprofits organizations throughout the southwest.

Southwest airlines has won impressive awards including: 2013 World’s Most Admired Companies; One of the Most Safest Airlines; FORTUNE 500 Green Power Partners, Top 100 Best Corporate Citizen; and #1 in Customer Satisfaction.

WINNER

Cindy Gompper-Graves is currently the President and CEO for the South County Economic Development Council where she leads the South County in economic efforts. Gompper-Graves was appointed in December 2003 as the first full-time Executive Director of this 25 year old organization. Her goals are to foster economic prosperity in the South County through job creation, encouraging financial investments and marketing.

Prior to joining the South County Economic Development Council,Gompper-Graves was the manager of the Trade and Business Development Office with the County of San Diego where she lead the County’s economic development and business assistance efforts. Ms. Gompper-Graves was appointed to head the newly created Office of Trade and Business Development on March 17, 1995 with a goal to im-prove the region’s economic prosperity. Gompper-Graves established the County of San Diego as a leader in economic development.

Ms. Gompper-Graves has unique experience in both the private and public sector. Prior to her post she was the County’s first Public Outreach Coordinator and has led building per-mit issuance for North County. Additionally she has a variety of broadcast and marketing experience gained during her 9-year career with several radio stations. Her current daily interaction with CEOs and business executives utilizes both her private and public sector experience.

CINDY GOMPPER-GRAVES, President & Chief Executive Officer

Accion San Diego is a non-profit organization striving to bring economic opportunity and access for financing to small business owners in San Diego County. Through business support services and loans ranging from $300 to $75,000, Accion strengthens the roots of emerging entrepreneurs and helps them to thrive in their communities, creating social and economic change. Accion San Diego has an active portfolio totaling more than $4.4 million and over 600 active clients in San Diego County.

For more than 20 years, Accion San Diego has become one of the leading economic development organizations meeting the needs of the local business community. Accion enables clients to increase their inventory, buy equipment or raw materials, and pursue new business opportunities. Accion San Diego creates access to jobs for local business owners by providing support and access to capital. The organization also helps entrepre-neurs build favorable credit histories and improve their business skills through training events. All of Accion’s events are specially tailored toward the needs and questions of small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Accion San Diego works strategically with local partners and nonprofit organizations to support main street businesses, from restaurants and retail shops to home-based day-cares and web based businesses. For more information on Accion San Diego, visit www.accionsandiego.org.

ACCION SAN DIEGO 2014 Community Leader Nominees

WINNER

In 1973, a group of volunteer doctors, nurses and community lead-ers began to provide free primary and preventive healthcare to the Filipino laborers working along San Diego’s harbor. The demand for services rapidly grew, eventually establishing a nonprofit commu-nity clinic based in National City. It was named Operation Samahan (“working together”). Operation Samahan has since grown to a designated federally qualified health center with seven clinics in National City, Lincoln Acres, Mira Mesa, Ran-cho Penasquitos, and City Heights.

Operation Samahan provides a full range of healthcare and preventive services including primary care, dental, behavioral health, integrative medicine and wellness services, nutri-tion education, a teen center and a senior center. The 120 person staff speak more than 20 languages, and care for 25,000 children, women, and men from all ages, annually. As a community health center, Operation Samahan goes above and beyond to advocate for pa-tients, as well as promote civic engagement. The organization has partnered with groups like the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, San Diego Organiz-ing Project, Engage San Diego, and the Asian Pacific American Coalition to increase voter registration and voter engagement in National City, Chula Vista, and San Diego.

Working alongside local businesses and organizations is key to promote overall health and education. Operation Samahan is the only organization in San Diego County to receive Centers for Disease Control support for the STRIVE project, an innovative partnership with local restaurants to provide healthier menu options to the public.

OPERATION SAMAHAN

2014 Community Leader NomineesSAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY (SDSU) National City, San Diego County’s second oldest municipality, teamed up with SDSU students and faculty to explore ideas for smart, sustainable growth in line with the city’s strategic plan.

Last year, marketing and health communication students partnered with National City to develop plans for corner store “conversions” fea-turing fresh, healthy food; finance students created a long-term prop-erty management plan for the city; and art students designed wayfinding systems from repurposed and recycled materials.

More than 750 SDSU students from 21 classes currently work with the Sage Project in this second year of collaboration with National City. The students are aspiring city planners, climate change scientists, graphic designers, nutritionists and professionals in the child care, real estate and tourism sectors. What they share is an eagerness to take their class-room learning into the community.

The mission of San Diego State University shall be to provide well-balanced, high quality education for undergraduate and graduate students and to contribute to knowledge and the solution of problems through excellence and distinction in teaching, research, and service.

2014 Green Business of the Year Nominees

The Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel is a 173 room hotel located near National City’s beautiful South Bay. It was opened in July of 2009 and prides itself on being a choice for visiting tourists and a home away from home for the armed services based out of the San Diego and National City areas. High quality, extra mile service, and environmen-tal sustainability have always been a focus for the hotel. It has won many awards including the Best Western Green Award in 2013, 5 consecutive Trip Advisor Excellence Awards going back to 2010, and 6 consecutive Best Western Chairman/Chairwoman Awards.

BEST WESTERN PLUS MARINA GATEWAY

BIG BEN MARKET For 65 years, Big Ben Market (108 E 8th St.) was a fixture in National City, the second oldest jurisdiction in San Diego County, until it was consumed by a fire last year. It would be too trite to incite imagery of the Phoenix and too easy to point to the resiliency of a community with an obesity rate of 50 percent — the highest in the county — to tell Big Ben’s tale. The rebuilt locale has opened as a newer, stronger, more enduring experience: Big Ben Specialty Market, an investment in the health of the people of National City and the South Bay.

“Every community deserves to have fresh, locally-grown food available to them. Being healthy shouldn’t be a privilege, but rather a basic need that community leaders help meet when they recognize their constituents need help,” said owner Nick Salem, whose ever-deepening commitment to the people of National City is exemplified in his invest-ment in local services, infrastructure, children and more. “As a business owner, it’s my duty to ensure my market is doing just that.”

Owner Nick Salem and his family own seven different markets across San Diego including the successful Carnival supermarkets. Big Ben was his first market, purchased 15 years ago, but has been a National City fixture for 65 years. It’s taken different forms, from a neighborhood market to a Mexican market and, now, a specialty foods market, featuring organic produce and other products, meals to go and Grill House at Big Ben, an outdoor restaurant — all created with the commitment to improving the health of the people of National City and the South Bay.

*Read all about our Award winners in their upcoming special publications.

Media Partners: Filipino Press, The Star-News, El Latino

WINNER

WRIGLEY’S SUPERMARKETWrigley’s started their grocery store business in Southeast San Diego on November 1st, 1979, and never stopped working. They expanded to National City in 1986, and then Lakeside in 1993. They currently have one location, located at 34 North Euclid Avenue, National City, CA 91950.

Being an independent supermarket makes it difficult to compete with bigger chain stores, but it also has its advantages. Customers have direct contact with the store owners, so if there is a specific product they are looking for, they can speak with them directly. Wrig-ley’s values personal relationships with their customers, and know over 60% of their customers on a first name basis, and upwards of 90% by recognition.

It has been 35 wonderful years of hard work, stress, countless hours, tears, sweat every-thing you can think of, but all well worth it. They are so proud to say over the past 35 years, they have supported hundreds of churches, schools, and various organizations, employed 1,000s of people, and served millions of customers.

Wrigley’s has implemented various energy efficiency programs and is taking steps to make their operations more sustainable. They are a National City Green Business partici-pants.

At the same time they are enhancing their own educations, nearly 2,000 San Diego State University students from such disciplines as audiology, homeland security, city planning, engineering, graphic design, public health, recreation and tourism management, and marketing have been making important contributions to the National City community over the past two years. Through SDSU’s Sage Project, students have worked in consultation with National City staff and council-members to address the smart growth, quality of life, and sustainability goals that have emerged from targets and initiatives in the National City Strategic Plan. Students have addressed such projects as street improvements to slow traffic, enhance pedestrian safety, address stormwater runoff, and beautify the area with drought-tolerant landscaping; land use analysis, de-signs, and recommendations for development of sites in designated tourism districts and elsewhere; improved wayfinding and signage throughout parks, tourist attractions, and high-density areas; energy calculations, engineering design and cost/benefit analysis for building-integrated solar cell installation at the public library; policy recommendations for cost savings for the city’s general fund; analysis of air quality and noise pollution due to industry, and recommendations for mitigation of impact on the health and well-being of the city’s residents; and an update to the city’s emergency operations plan. These mean-ingful, real-world experiences for SDSU students help them apply what they are learning in the classroom; they prepare them for challenges they will face as future leaders in our community; and, at the same time, they contribute to the quality of life of residents in National City.

THE SAGE PROJECT AT SAN DIEGO STATE

2014 Green Business of the Year Nominees

The National City Host Lions Club is a local service club, representing the community of National City on behalf of Lions Clubs International – The world’s LARGEST Service Club Organization. The National City Host Lions Club was chartered on July 19, 1944. The organization was formed by local businessmen from National City looking for a way to give back to their community. Its efforts were made possible through sponsorship from the Hillcrest/Mission Valley Lions Club. Since its inception in 1944, the Host Lions Club has kept their promise of “bettering National City” as its main objective.

Fundraising efforts to help support the National City Community has always been a prior-ity for the club, and in the late 1960’s a plan was created to host a 4th of July Celebration at Kimball Park. It began with only six booths of carnival games, followed by a modest fireworks show; today this has become the Lions’ biggest fund raiser event, and has be-come the largest community event in National City. Funds raised from the carnival are used year round to support other activities such as: Ms. National City pageant, Christmas in July – Renovating aging homes, OneSite Vision Eye Clinic which provides over 1,000 eyeglasses to students, Various Sweetwater High School and Youth Sports Programs, and the National City Boys and Girls Club. The National City Host Lions Club firmly believes that ALL SERVICE CLUBS should put forth all of their effort into bettering their immedi-ate communities.

2014 Volunteer of the Year NomineesNATIONAL CITY HOST LIONS CLUB

My name is Breann Clapper and I am 19 years old. In 2013, I graduated from Hilltop High School with 3,000 community service hours. Cur-rently I am attending Southwestern Community College. When I’m not working or at school I devote my time to helping my community be-come a better city. I have been involved with volunteering since I was in 5th grade and am the youngest member of The National City Host Lions Club and Christmas in July. I recently participated in Miss National City Pageants and also participate in bringing more inspirational events to National City. I am the youngest member of The Stein Farm Board and participated with the One Sight Program for 7 years giving thousands of free eye glasses to those in need. I also help with multiple events of the National City Chamber of Commerce such as golf tournaments, Salute to the Navy , helping them to find other volunteers, and assisting to make they’re events happen. Since I’ve graduated, I am a part of the organization Junior Achievement; helping to teach the youth at dif-ferent grade levels including my own elementary school that I attended. I also help with fundraisers in multiple ways and inspire them to do their best at everything they do even at a young age. I encourage youth to believe that anything is possible. I’ve also been a part of helping both the National City Police Department and Fire Department by volun-teering at multiple fundraisers for them for multiple years. This past year I participated in raising money for Relay for Life and was also team captain of my own team to enhance fundraising for both cancer patients and their families and to keep their memories alive.

BREANN CLAPPER

WINNER

Shirley Ferrill was born and raised in Wisconsin. After graduation from high school she joined the U.S. Navy and served four years as a WAVE. She moved to National City in 1969. Her three children graduated from Sweetwater High School.

Shirley is an Associate Member of the National City Chamber of Com-merce; a member of Friends of the Library and has been appointed by Mayor Morrison to serve on the National City War Memorial Ad Hoc Committee. Under Mayor Waters, she served as Chairman of the Community Develop-ment Department Citizens Advisory Committee and the Bayfront Development Commit-tee. She chaired the National City “Not in Our Neighborhood” Committee addressing the issue of Human Trafficking.

Shirley is a 50 year member of the First United Methodist Church where she organized the first community-wide Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by the church sand and continues to volunteer each year. She volunteers for the Interfaith Shelter Network housed at the church for two weeks a year and has convened and moderated Candidate Forums each election year.

In the larger community, Shirley serves on the Board of Directors for New Entra Casa, a residence for Women Ex-Offenders; Metro, a Community Service Agency and Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry at SDSU.

SHIRLEY FERRILL

2014 Volunteer of the Year Nominees

JOE COITJoe Coit collaborated with government officials to secure a 1.5 million federal grant to refurbish an old building and start a new wellness program.

Joe also started a benefit golf tournament that raised over $500,000 in a five-year period with proceeds benefiting hospital programs. He also started the hypobaric wound center at Paradise Valley Hospital and suc-cessfully completed five Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO ) surveys.

Collaborated with the following organizations:• National City Chamber of Commerce – Board Member• San Diego Hispanic Chamber Commerce – Board Member• African American Chamber of Commerce – Board Member• Filipino Chamber of Commerce – Board Member• March of Dimes – Board Member• American Heart Association – Board Member• Christmas in July – Board Member• Boys and Girls Club of National City – Board Member

Chairman's Circle The Chairman’s Circle has been created to prominently recognize companies whose continual support has been instrumental in the growth of the National City Cham-ber of Commerce and its business members.

In addition to visibility in the Chamber’s Newsletter, referral guide and event programs, Chairman’s Circle members receive priority seating at Chamber events, complimentary use of the Chamber's Conference Room and invitations to special member-only receptions.

Chairman’s Circle members enjoy the convenience of a one-time, all inclusive transaction that insures representation at Chamber events. Through a choice of five levels of financial commitment, benefit packages are tailored to meet individu-al preferences.

Companies who are committed to the Chairman’s goals and objectives are invited to arrange for a visit to discuss the benefits and privileges of membership. Contact President/CEO Jacqueline Reynoso at: (619) 890-6614 or reynoso@nationalcitychamber.org