Portola Plaza honored
Chamber recognizes businesses
Herald Staff Report
Fifteen Monterey-Peninsula businesses and organizations on Thursday were honored for excellence by the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber's sold-out 19th annual Business Excellence Awards Ceremony drew more than 500 guests, said Tammie Gates, the chamber's outgoing program and events director. Gates, who had been with the chamber for nearly two years, plans to leave the organization next month.
The ceremony's host, Portola Plaza Hotel, won the general award for businesses with 50 or more employees. The full-service hotel had been a DoubleTree Hotel franchise for 25 years until owner Custom House Hotel Co. decided to branch off as a separate property last year. Ownership includes general partners G. Peter Bidstrup and Jim Grier, as well as several limited partners. Robert DeVoe is general manager.
Winners in categories for businesses with fewer than 50 employees included:
- The Sardine Factory Restaurant, dining/nightlife. The restaurant co-owned by Bert Cutino and Ted Balestreri has been a Monterey landmark since the 1970s. Last year, the restaurant opened a piano bar, Cannery Row Lounge, which features an appetizer menu, live piano and a full bar.
- Chateau Julien Wine Estate, hospitality/tourism. The Carmel Valley winery was established in 1982 by husband-and-wife team Bob and Patty Brower. The company is family owned and operated.
- Monterey County Bank, legal/financial. The Monterey-based bank has additional branches in Carmel and Pacific Grove. Established in 1976, it is the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Monterey County.
- Energia Body Centre, personal services. The fitness center and day spa facility at Del Monte Center offers personal training services, health classes, and beauty products.
- Pacific Tweed, retail sales and service. Based in Carmel's Crossroads Shopping Village, the men's and women's luxury apparel store offers customers locally produced wine while they shop among high-end brands.
- The Alternative Board of Monterey and Salinas, professional/business service. Also known as TAB, The Alternative Board offers a monthly platform for local business leaders to share ideas, offer advice and tips, and discuss challenges in their industries.
- Monterey Bay Wine & Travel Magazine, communications. Published three times annually, the magazine promotes local events and tourist destinations to readers in Northern and Central California.
- Byte Technology, technology/manufacturing. The family-owned and operated business provides Internet services and has been a chamber award winner the last three years.
- Stella Page Design, Adopt a Business. The designer bag-maker is based in owner Stella Page's 2,000-square-foot home studio in Moss Landing. Page's line is also featured in boutiques in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
- Anything is Possible, "Rookie of the Year." The company offers technology consultation and training to individuals as well as small- to mid-size companies. It has been in business less than two years.
Other winners were Monterey Jazz Festival, arts/culture; Chartwell School, education; CASA of Monterey County, nonprofit; Monterey-Salinas Transit, nonprofit with 50 or more employees.
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