Media Contact

Laura Spencer

Phone: (951) 677-7916

Email: laura@mwcoc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber Announces Nominees for 66th Annual Awards Celebration

The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for its 66th Annual Awards Celebration, taking place on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the beautiful Murrieta Hot Springs Resort.

This year's theme, "The Heart of Business," celebrates the businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community leaders whose passion, innovation, and commitment strengthen the Murrieta and Wildomar communities every day. The annual Awards Celebration is the Chamber's premier event, recognizing outstanding achievements and honoring those who exemplify leadership, service, and excellence across the region.

"Our Awards Celebration is one of the most anticipated events of the year because it gives us the opportunity to recognize the people and organizations who truly represent the heart of our business community," said Patrick Ellis, President/CEO of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. "Each nominee has made a meaningful impact through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving others. We look forward to celebrating all of their accomplishments."

Nominees have been selected across nine award categories. Nominees will submit applications that will be reviewed by an independent panel of judges. Applications are due Sunday, July 12, 2026, and some nominees may be reassigned to a more appropriate category based on business type or award eligibility.

2026 Award Nominees

Small Business of the Year

• Amy Blackwell – State Farm Agent
• Avatar Website Design
• Azusa Pacific University
• Bear CPR
• Brother's Junk Removal*
• California Oaks Chiropractic*
• Corner Escrow
• DeJong's Dairy*
• Essential Enterprise LLC*
• Graze Craze
• JC Dynasty
• MaidPro of Murrieta/Temecula*
• Miss April's Dance
• Murrieta VIP Florist
• Nickerson Law, A Professional Law Corporation
• Ramon Chavez*
• Recycle Strong Temecula*
• The Valley Business Journal*
• Tri Valley Landscape*

Medium Business of the Year

• Akahina Home Care
• Akahina Wellness
• Avatar Website Design
• Elite Tax Partners
• Holiday Inn Express
• Lakefront Family Dentistry*
• MPS Security & Protection*
• Nightingale's Hospice
• Renewing Hope Family Counseling Center Inc.
• Rock Fitness*
• Stryder Transportation
• United Nursing College

Large Business of the Year

• Abbott
• ABC Childcare
• Eastern Municipal Water District
• Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
• Europa Village
• Ivy Park at Murrieta
• Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
• Oak Mountain Winery
• Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac
• Pechanga Resort Casino
• Promenade Temecula
• Rancho Water*
• Southwest Healthcare System
• Visiting Angels Senior Home Care Services
• Waste Management
• WellQuest of Murrieta
• Western Water

Restaurant of the Year

• Abode Coffee*
• Angelo's Brick Oven Pizzeria
• Chapel Coffee
• Destination Smokehouse
• DownTown PUBlic*
• Himalayan Grill & Curry
• Stadium Pizza Wildomar
• Sushi KA*
• The Cove Bar and Grill
• The Mill
• Ticca Tikka Indian Cuisine
• Twisted Spoons Ice Cream Cereal Bar
• Which Which Superior Sandwiches
• Zen Curry & Grill

Non-Profit/Service Organization of the Year

• Animal Friends of the Valleys*
• Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County*
• Favors For Neighbors*
• Hospice of the Valleys
• JAGS Gives Back
• Lily Kelly Ministries
• MilVet
• Mission Hope
• Renewing Hope Strategies
• SAFE Family Justice Centers
• Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation
• Special Olympics Southern California
• Temecula Valley Astronomers*
• Thrifting 4 Gifting
• Wildomar Community and Parks Foundation, Inc.

Murrieta Citizen of the Year

• Alex Diaz*
• Amy Blackwell
• Annette Laroque
• April Vidal
• Blake English*
• Cindy Warren
• Lisa Dewit*
• Louellen Ficke
• Mary Walters*
• Michael Julian
• Nikki Davis
• Rohan Sharma
• Sandy Word*

Wildomar Citizen of the Year

• Aika Kessler
• Ashlee DePhillippo
• Bridgette Moore
• Danny Kessler
• Enrique Correa
• George Cambero
• Johnny Herrera
• Rachel Kobzoff
• Robin Adkins
• Stacy Styrcula
• Tara Wunderlich

Murrieta Volunteer of the Year

• Andrea Mares
• April Vidal
• Brett Moser*
• John Ritter
• Larry John
• Nikki Davis
• Rohan Sharma
• Stephanie Stout
• Tom Grimes*

Wildomar Volunteer of the Year

• Ann White
• Bob Borges
• Dan Gonse Jr.
• Debi Sutherland
• Eileen SanGiovanni
• Joryder McGraf
• Kristil Thibeault
• Larry Jordan
• Laura Diciolla Rusch
• Nancy Borges
• Rachel Kobzoff
• Susan Greene

* Indicates they were nominated, but do not meet the eligibility requirements or has won within the past two years.

Community members are invited to join the Chamber as it recognizes this year's nominees during the 66th Annual Awards Celebration on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. The evening will feature dinner, networking, inspiring stories, and the presentation of awards honoring the businesses and individuals who truly embody The Heart of Business.

For more information and to view the complete list of nominees online, visit bit.ly/mwcawards26

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The Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce is the leading business advocacy organization serving Southwest Riverside County. Through advocacy, networking, economic development, workforce initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the Chamber works to strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive.