Lake Havasu Chamber Celebrates Local Businesses, Individuals

Lake Havasu Chamber Celebrates Local Businesses, Individuals
Becky Maxedon / 21 Jun 2025 / No Comments » Comments

By Becky Maxedon

The Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting and celebration of business at the Nautical Beachfront Resort.

The theme of this year’s event was “Art in Entrepreneurship” and 12 local businesses were honored with various awards and accolades for their contributions to the Lake Havasu community.

The Community Enhancement Award was presented to the APX West
Development Group.

APX West is a full-scope development and home building company based in Lake Havasu.

Presenter Andrea Helart said in her introduction of the business the award was about more than construction. “It’s about vision, investment, and a deep commitment to the long-term success and beauty of
Lake Havasu City.”

Helart said the organization’s diversity in developing for every level of the community along with bold leadership and a strong belief in the city made APX a worthy recipient of the award.

The Community Enhancement Award was presented to representatives of APX West. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

The 2025 recipient of the Chamber Volunteer of the Year was Becky Goldberg.

Presenter Ross Johnson said the award is given to someone who doesn’t just show up but “they roll up their sleeves, dive in, and never look back. They give their time, energy, resources, and heart to help us build a
stronger Chamber and a stronger Lake Havasu.

“Becky Goldberg is not just a volunteer — she pours her blood, sweat, and tears into everything she does. She serves on several boards, participates in countless committees, and never hesitates to step up when something needs doing.”

Over the past year, Goldberg served as Chair of the Chamber Foundation for Education and Leadership and Secretary of our Ambassador Committee and CBIA Committee, all while spending time and energy contributing to other organizations including the Lake Havasu City Rotary Club and the Go Lake Havasu.

Ross Johnson presents Becky Goldberg with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene . Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

Dr. Sandy Breece received the CFEL Distinguished Alumni Award.

The CFEL Distinguished Leadership Award is an award dedicated to graduates of the Lake Havasu Leadership
Program who have gone on to accomplish great things asleaders in the community and who have given back to the
community in many ways through their leadership journey.

Since her time with the program, Breece has lived its mission.

In 1991, she founded and continues to be the Superintendent of Telesis Center for Learning a K-12 Public Charter School that focuses on creating opportunities for students to thrive in an environment built on personalized learning.

“She has built something lasting with Telesis, and her impact on the lives of students, families, and fellow educators continues to ripple outward,” said presenter Becky Goldberg.

Sandy Breece, center, receives the CFEL Distinguished Alumni Award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene. Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

Mayor Cal Sheehy presented the Pinnacle Award.

“Each year, we gather to honor a Chamber-member business whose unwavering support and exceptional dedication have significantly advanced our organization’s mission. The Pinnacle Award is our highest recognition, bestowed upon a business that exemplifies outstanding partnership and community
involvement,” Sheehy said. This year’s recipient was Anderson Auto Group.

Sheehy said Anderson’s contributions have touched various facets of Lake Havasu City, enhancing the lives of residents across all ages.

From the annual Drive-Through Toy Extravaganza to the Balloon Festival and Faire to the Annual Free Community Dinner and so much more, including financial contributions to more than 60 local nonprofits, Sheehy lauded the company’s contributions to the community.

Andrea Foote of Anderson Auto receives the Pinnacle Award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

Anthony Mallinger received the Bridge to Business Award.

The Bridge to Business Award is presented to a member of the education community who has gone above and beyond in fostering meaningful collaboration between education and business.

“This year’s recipient has done just that – and more. This year’s recipient is a remarkable educator, mentor, and
champion for student success,” presenter Joelle Dickinson said.

Mallinger currently serves as the Business Management teacher at Lake Havasu High School and is a key figure in the Career and Technical Education program.

“Through the classes he teaches – ranging from business fundamentals to leadership – this amazing educator is shaping young minds with the tools they need not just to succeed, but to lead in the business world,” Dickinson said.

Joelle Dickinson presents Anthony Mallinger with the Bridge to Business Award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

This year’s Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Christine Watson Buntemeyer.

This award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to our community through exceptional service. The honoree also serves as the Grand Marshal of the London Bridge Days Parade in October.

“This year’s Citizen of the Year is a woman whose compassion, resilience, and quiet strength have become a lifeline for so many in Lake Havasu.”

Buntemeyer is the creator of The Clothes Closet – a space where people who need a hand up — not a handout, and certainly not judgment — where they could find shelter, support, and a renewed sense
of worth.

Through her nonprofit, Havasu Gives, the space became a thriving community resource center where individuals and families can receive free clothing, where those experiencing homelessness can shower and wash their clothes, and where people can escape the summer heat and find dignity, safety and kindness.

Christine Watson Buntemeyer recieves the Citizen of the Year award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverSceneTyanna Renee’/RiverScene

Janene and Kenny Samp presented Michal Alan Home Furnishings with the Ethics in Business Award.

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.

“Michael Alan Home Furnishings isn’t just a local business—it’s a legacy. A living, breathing example of what it looks like when leadership is built on values, and when a team believes in something greater than the bottom line,” the presentation said.

In addition to the business itself, Michael Alan has developed a powerful partnership with Cancer Care Resource, Michael Alan Home Furnishings has helped raise over $500,000 to fund free mammograms and essential screenings.

Michael Allen Home Furnishings received the Ethics in Business Award. Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

Partnership for Economic Development received the Elevating Havasu Award.

The Elevating Havasu award was designed to recognize a volunteer, organization, individual or business that elevates community morale and business and community development.

“At the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce, we believe in celebrating those who don’t just contribute — but who lift our community in lasting, transformative ways. The word ‘elevate’ means to raise, to lift, to bring upward — and tonight, we honor an organization whose work has done exactly that for Lake Havasu City,” said presenter Becky Goldberg.

According to its website, the Partnership for Economic Development aims to foster entrepreneur, creative professional, small business, and corporate growth in Lake Havasu.

“The Partnership for Economic Development doesn’t just develop projects — they develop possibility. And they do it with vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the betterment of Lake Havasu,” Goldberg said.

The Partnership for Economic Development received the Elevating Havasu Award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene.

The Whelan Leadership Award is an award created to honor the legacy of former Lake Havasu City Mayor Bob Whelan and his wife Judy — two individuals who deeply believed in the power of leadership
and community engagement. Together, they were strong supporters of many Chamber initiatives, including the original Havasu Leadership Development program.

Now in its 26th year, Leadership Lake Havasu has equipped hundreds of individuals with the tools to lead, inspire, and make a difference in our community.

The Whelan Leadership Award is presented to a Leadership Lake Havasu graduate who has taken that experience and truly lived it — using the skills and values learned in the program to positively impact their workplace, an organization, or our greater community.

This year’s recipient was Joelle Dickinson.

The Chamber Foundation for Education and Leadership develops leadership, workforce and business education programs to increase the overall quality of community in Lake Havasu City.

Presenter Maria Hart said that Dickinson has “led the charge for our CEI committee, making the very best use of the CFEL funds raised to support these interns. She has shown caring leadership and above all — heart.”
Dickinson is a graduate of Leadership Lake Havasu in 2019, CO-Chair for 2020 and CFEL Board Chair 2023.

Joelle Dickinson recieves the Whelan Leadership Award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScener. Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

Iron Wolf Golf and Country Club received the Spirit of Hospitality Award.

This award recognizes excellence in promoting tourism, enhancing visitor experiences, and contributing significantly to our local hospitality industry.

Presenter Thomas Vandergrift said Iron Wolf received the award for delivering the very best in service and hospitality, for creating memorable moments that keep visitors coming back, and for representing the true spirit of Lake Havasu.

A representative Iron Wolf Golf Club accpets the Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

This year’s Rising Star Award was presented to Kate Deparini.

Each year, the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals who are not only making waves in their respective fields but also lighting the way for others in the community. The Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Better Business Bureau, honors an emerging leader who exemplifies service, integrity, and excellence—not just in their vocation, but in every corner of their life and community.

“This year’s recipient truly embodies that spirit. It is my honor to present the 2025 Rising Star Award to someone who saw a need in our community and chose not just to fill it—but to elevate it,” presenter Rick Riegler said.

Deparini is the founder of Sunshine Indoor Play, an indoor playground and coffee shop where children can learn through play, and parents can find connection, comfort, and even a moment to breathe.

Kate Diperini receives the Rising Star Award. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

Cheryl Ramsden presented this year’s Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award to Chamber Award Script 2025 to Cassie O’Hara.

Each year, the Chamber honors an individual whose passion, dedication and service to the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce goes far above and beyond the call of duty.

“Cassie O’Hara is passionate about many things in life – and we’re grateful that the Chamber made the list. As a dedicated member of the Chamber Ambassador Committee, Cassie doesn’t just show up – she shows out,” Ramsden said.

“At almost every Winterfest for the past few years, Cassie managed to log volunteer hours that nearly matched those of the Chamber staff. She is also a key volunteer at events like Desert Bash as well and helps guide our Ambassador clean up events as well.”

Cassie O’Hara was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year. Photo by Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

For more information about the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.havasuchamber.com.

Here are more photos of Friday evening’s event.

 

Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

 

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Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

 

Tyanna Renee’/RiverScene

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