Standing ovations are a way to recognize certain occasions and individual achievement. Sustained applause, cheers, many a smile and perhaps a tear or two are also commonplace. It was so for the honorees at the recent Cypress Chamber of Commerce Business Awards who were honored for their service to the community.
Allen and Laurie McLean have been models of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Richard Storey and Terri Alvarez, Man and Woman of the Year respectively, along with Business of the Year CARE Ambulance Service, each have shown on a regular basis why people admire them for their service to their businesses and community at large.
Each was humbled when informed of the award to be bestowed. For the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was instituted eight years ago by the Cypress Chamber of Commerce, it really dates back to 1984. Adding Allen and Laurie McLean to the list was like adding another jewel to the crown. The list includes Jim and Mary O’Hara, Teddy and Dick Anderson, Johnnie and Harry Strohmyer, Walter and Ethel Bowman, John C. Law and Carl W. Robertson, Bob and Robin Snow, Tom Evans and Jack Hammett (World War II survivors).
The annual Cypress Chamber of Commerce Awards have become a staple event where people who know each other come together for a fun evening with a great dinner and a chance to stand up and cheer. Presenters have a unique opportunity to introduce someone they know, while the honorees have a chance to say their own thanks while others get the chance to give them all a standing ovation.
The evening was made more special with the participation of State Senator Bob Huff (29th District, Republican Senate Minority Leader) and State Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (65nd District). Senator Huff installed the Chamber Board for the next fiscal year while Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva introduced Care Ambulance Service. Additonally, members of the Cypress City Council including Mayor Pro Tem Leroy Mills and members Rob Johnson and Mariellen Yarc were in attendance. Mills had the honor of introducing the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.
The Chamber also has made it a tradition to recognize long-standing members, saluting its 25-year members. Included were Apple One Employment, Bonded Cleaners, Boys & Girls Club of Cypress, Cypress Engraving, Cypress Family Dental, Herbert Andrews Company, Ralph Hutter, O.D., McDonald’s of Cypress, Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Robbins Financial and Warland Investments Company.
The Cypress Chamber of Commerce proudly salutes each and every one of its honorees. All of these people have touched many lives in a multitude of ways. The Chamber thanks all of them as it gives them a tip of its cap and a standing ovation.