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Claremont Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Business & Community Award Nominees

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Claremont, CA - June 3, 2026. The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for its 2026 Business & Community Awards Program, recognizing individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, service, innovation, and community impact help strengthen the long-term vitality of Claremont.
Presented annually, the Chamber’s awards celebrate excellence in business leadership, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, community service, and nonprofit impact. Honorees are recognized for helping make Claremont a vibrant, connected, and thriving community.

“Every year, we have the privilege of recognizing individuals and organizations who lead with purpose, serve generously, innovate boldly, and invest in the well-being of our community,” said Kathleen Fariss, CEO of the Claremont Chamber of Commerce. “These nominees represent the very best of Claremont, and we are honored to celebrate the impact they make each and every day.”

2026 Business & Community Award Nominees

Lela Ackerman Community Service Award
Recognizing individuals or organizations whose service, volunteerism, and civic leadership make a lasting impact in the Claremont community.
• Darlene Berg, Endless Fitness
• John Neiuber, Trinity Youth Services
• Josh Merry, California Bank & Trust

Businessperson of the Year Award
Recognizing an outstanding business leader whose professional excellence, leadership, and community involvement contribute meaningfully to Claremont’s economic and civic vitality.
• Dan Moncayo, HPM Solar
• Andrew Behnke, DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont
• Hader Aldouri, Dr. Grubbs
 
Large Business of the Year Award
Recognizing a Chamber-member business with more than 50 employees that demonstrates excellence in leadership, innovation, service, ethics, and community impact.
• Claremont Graduate University
• Claremont Toyota
• Citrus College

Small Business of the Year Award
Recognizing a Chamber-member business with 50 or fewer employees that exemplifies entrepreneurship, quality service, resilience, and meaningful community involvement.
• HPM Solar
• Endless Fitness
• Euro Café

Non-Profit of the Year Award
Recognizing a nonprofit organization that demonstrates leadership, collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact in serving the Claremont community.
• Children’s Foundation of America
• Claremont Heritage
• Claremont Lewis Museum of Art
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Recognizing an innovative and resilient entrepreneur who has launched or grown a business through vision, creativity, perseverance, and community engagement.
• Darlene Berg, Endless Fitness
• Hader Aldouri, Dr. Grubbs
• Vanessa Van Holland, Restoration 1 Rancho Cucamonga
 
Ambassador of the Year Award
Recognizing an Ambassador who demonstrates exceptional service, relationship-building, and commitment to welcoming and supporting Chamber members and Chamber initiatives.
• Dominic Valdez, Edward Jones
• Stacey Caponigro, Smart Properties Services, Inc.
• Pat Herrero, Financially EPIC
• Laura Gallardo, Pilgrim Place
Award recipients will be announced live during the Claremont Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business & Community Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont.
Community members, business leaders, and supporters are invited to attend and celebrate the nominees whose contributions continue to shape the energy, leadership, service, and success of the Claremont community.
Tickets, table opportunities, and event information are available at:
https://business.claremontchamber.org/events/details/community-business-of-the-year-awards-luncheon-48686
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those interested in supporting this community celebration:
https://form.jotform.com/261206131813142

About the Claremont Chamber of Commerce
The Claremont Chamber of Commerce serves as a driving force of the local economy and a trusted partner to businesses of all sizes. Committed to business success through advocacy and education, the Chamber provides access to leaders, resources, and organizations that help members thrive. With a focus on strengthening and promoting the entire community of Claremont, the Chamber fosters collaboration and champions economic vitality. It upholds the values that make Claremont a unique and welcoming place to live, work, and do business.
 

Claremont Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Business & Community Award Nominees

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