Havasu Chamber Honors Members At Annual Meeting

By Becky Maxedon

The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its members Friday evening at Mullets and Mix Tapes.

It was the Chamber’s 2024 annual meeting and celebration of business at Shugrue’s Bridgeview Room

Several local business leaders were honored, having been nominated by their peers.

Eleven awards were presented to Havasu businesses and individuals as part of the evening’s festivities.

One familiar face returned to accept the CFEL Distinguished Alumni Award.

Jeni Coke presented Lisa Krueger with this honor.

Jenni Coke presents Lisa Krueger with CFEL Distinguished Leadership Award Friday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Krueger served as the Lake Havasu Chamber executive for 26 years and as the executive of the Parker Chamber before that.

In the presentation speech, Coke praised Krueger for her leadership throughout the years and for her contributions to the community.

“This person’s leadership journey is not just impressive because of the work she has done at our Chamber, but because of the many other ways she has continued to create positive change for our community over the years. She has exemplified what it is to be a mentor to many and to me she is truly also a friend. In fact, one of my closest friends,” Coke said.

The Bridge to Business Award was presented by Alison Paoli to Joelle Dickenson.

Alison Paoli presents the Bridge to Business award to Joelle Dickenson. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Taking part in our Leadership Lake Havasu Class just a few years ago, she quickly became involved on our Foundation board, helping lead some our events and diving into some our most important programs. Two years ago, she was asked by the former Chamber CEO, Lisa Krueger to join the committee for the Career Explorations Internships program to help organize and connect the high school counselors with the local businesses that the Chamber was working to get involved as mentors in the program. She took on that challenge wholeheartedly and was instrumental in helping grow the program from its foundation,” Paoli said.

Chris Hagest presented the Spirit of Hospitality Award to WAVE.

Chris Hagest presented the Spirit of Hospitality Award to WAVE. Photo Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This year, the award goes to an exceptional institution that has consistently demonstrated these qualities and illuminated the path towards a brighter, more welcoming future for all, and embodies the true essence of hospitality,” Hagest said.

“Please join us in congratulating WAVE, the Western Arizona Vocational Education school for hospitality and culinary arts as the recipient of the 2024 Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Hospitality award. Their commitment to excellence and their unwavering support for the tourism industry truly make them deserving of this honor.”

Volunteer of the Year honors went to Ross Johnson.

Taylor Harrison presents the Rising Star Award to Rick Riegler. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Presenter Steve Clark said, “This person is always there to serve others and never asks for anything in return. He is truly a servant leader and while quiet, he is always willing to give input, share an idea, solve a problem, and be there for his friends and colleagues alike. He is usually the best person in the room, and I’m pretty certain there is no one who could dispute that fact. Those of us who know him either personally or professionally consider ourselves lucky we do. We are all grateful to the time, energy, and devotion he gives to us all.”

Aymie Spitzer presented Citizen of the Year David Lane.

Aymie Spitzer presents Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year to David Lane. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This year’s recipient is a person who is constantly looking for ways that he can make a difference in individuals lives. His superpower is that he takes such great care and interest in getting to know people on a deep and meaningful level… and when he sees that something needs to be done… he just does it. He doesn’t ask… he just takes action because it’s the right thing to do,” Spitzer said.

As part of the honor, Lane will serve as the Grand Marshal of the London Bridge Days Parade in October.

Mark Masterson presented the Ethics in Business Award to Janene and Kenny Samp of Sunset Charter and Tours.

Mark Masterson presents the Ethics in Business Award to Janene and Kenny Samp of Sunset Charter and Tours. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

This award, sponsored by the Lake Havasu City Rotary Club since 2009, goes to a Chamber-member business that illustrates a commitment to business ethics and exemplifies honesty and integrity, and participates with corporate or community philanthropy efforts.

“They are business owners that understand the industry they serve and work to support and promote the tourism community in many ways. As long-time residents of our community, you can find them volunteering for many local civic organizations to support their industry. They prioritize safety and experience with their team, and work to show their clients a love for our city via the experience they provide,” Masterson said.

Lake Havasu City Rotary Club was the recipient of the Elevating Havasu Award.

Lake Havasu City Rotary Club was the recipient of the Elevating Havasu Award. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Presenter Rick Riegler said, “The organization we’ll be recognizing tonight for this award has been around in our community for over 40 years. The purpose of this nonprofit is built entirely around serving others, and the community professionals and leaders that are part of the organization definitely love coming up with amazing ways to fill that purpose and they know how to have fun while doing it! From building fundraisers that serve to support other non-profits and community needs, to raising money to build local parks, to organizing community service days that help to give back to our community. This organization not only works to support those here locally, but they also work hard to raise funds that go toward international needs as well,” Reigler said.

“Organizing local initiatives like our “Community Wide Cleanup” which provides an opportunity for citizens and organizations throughout the community to come together to improve our neighborhoods, public lands, shorelines, waterways, and desert trails.”

The Desert Land Group was named the Community Enhancement Award recipient, presented by Jeremy Kendrick.

The Desert Land Group was named the Community Enhancement Award recipient, presented by Jeremy Kendrick. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“This year’s recipients think big when it comes to creating a vision for our community. They are not just land developers and real estate professionals; they are a team who prioritizes their people and look to build relationships with the clients and community they serve.

“When developing the properties of Riviera Lake Havasu, they took the concept that Robert McCulloch and Ken Komick developed many years ago and looked to create a development that would build upon that vision, opening up a residential community that encompasses all of the best parts of our beautiful city-our desert, lake, and the beauty and lifestyle that are so much a part of what people love about Lake Havasu,” Kendrick said.

London Bridge Resort received the Pinnacle Award, presented by Theresa Crowell.

London Bridge Resort receives the Pinnacle Award, presented by Theresa Crowell. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Pinnacle Award recognizes a Chamber member business that has been of outstanding support and assistance to the Chamber organization in the last year.

“This year’s recipient has been a community giver for many years. This organization has had community involvement going back to its origination in 1984,” Crowell said.

Taylor Harrison presented the Rising Star Award to Rick Riegler.

Taylor Harrison presents the Rising Star Award to Rick Riegler. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Rising Star award is presented to an emerging leader that exemplifies service, integrity and excellence in their vocation and in the community.

“This year’s recipient is every bit of a star and a standout leader in our community. After moving to Lake Havasu in 2017, he quickly took on an active role in our community. Working as a business professional in our realty and mortgage industry, he quickly gained trust from his clients and local partners. He also quickly used his passion for civic involvement to become involved in many civic organizations and non-profits in our community including: the Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee, Lake Havasu City Rotary Club, the Advisory Council of Marine Associations, the Colorado River Law Enforcement Association, the Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition, the Lower Colorado River Safe Waterways Committee, the BLM Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Partnership, the Havasu Side X Side Trail Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and serves as ex-officio on several additional boards as well through his role as the President of the Lake Havasu Marine Association.”

Cassie O’Hara presented the Chamber Ambassador of the Year award to Cheryl Ramsden, of National Bank of Arizona.

Cassie O’Hara presents the Chamber Ambassador of the Year award to Cheryl Ramsden, of National Bank of Arizona. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“She was very shy when she first became an Ambassador and joined at the guidance of her boss. Since then, she has been with the bank for years and is always amazing to work with, always keeping the well-being of the businesses she serves at the front of her concerns. She credits Niki Nickle for helping her become more engaged and willing to step out of her shell and up to the plate,” O’Hara said.

Austin Rufner presented Maria Hart with the Whelan Leadership award.