The 2008 Lifetime Achievement Awards
were held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Spouses Hall, 301 North I Street, Madera CA 93637

Thank you to our 2008 Sponsors...
Bridge Store, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Constellation Wines U.S., Zaks Security One

The Board of Directors of the Madera Chamber of Commerce was proud to pay tribute to the 2008 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT DISTINGUISHED HONOREES...

• Paula Baraldi
• Maurice Cappelluti
• Monte Pistoresi
• B.J. 'Jake' Robinson
• Darwin Shebelut

Additionally, the Chamber recognized their 2008 MEMORIAL HONOREE, William 'Bill' Cerioni, Jr..  Sponsorships for this dinner benefitted the 2008-09 Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Mr. Cerioni.  Sponsorships were available for $750 and  included a reserved table of ten (10) for the event; recognition during the evening's program of events; recognition in the Chamber newsletter Business Beat, Chamber website, Bytes of Business electronic newsletter, and all press releases and additional advertising outside of Chamber publications.  If you were unable to attend the event, but would like to make a donation to this scholarship fund, please contact the Chamber Office.

The Madera District Chamber of Commerce hosted its fourth annual Lifetime Achievement Awards during the Chamber's Installation Dinner on Thursday, August 21st, at Holy Spouses Hall located at 301 North I Street (corner of 4th and I Streets) in Madera. The social hour began at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and presentations following. Tickets were $40.00 each with reserved tables of ten available for $400.  Sponsorships for this event included a reserved table of ten (10) for the event; recognition during the evening's program of events; recognition in the Chamber newsletter Business Beat, Chamber website, Bytes of Business electronic newsletter, and all press releases and additional advertising outside of Chamber publications.  The Chamber also conducted their installation of the Board of Directors and Officers at this event. The event required advance reservations and no tickets were sold at the door.  

The Chamber is also proud to honor our 2007-08 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT - Minerva Mendoza.  The 2007-08 Memorial Scholarship award was given in memory of Elmo Del Bianco, Lucca's Restaurant.  Memorial Scholarship recipients are selected based on their submission of an essay, improvement in academics and overcoming barriers, and their community service to Madera.  The 2008-09 Memorial Scholarship Award will be given in memory of William 'Bill' Cerioni, Jr.

"It is with a great deal of respect and pride that the Madera Chamber of Commerce congratulates these fine outstanding citizens on being named the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award winners," said CEO/President, Debi Bray. "They are the true pillars of our community and have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to Madera."

These five outstanding individuals have distinguished themselves through their dedication to the welfare and betterment of Madera for a minimum of 25 years, both personally and professionally.  This year's honorees were eligible for this award because they have been active members of the Madera Chamber of Commerce and have lived in Madera County for at least 25 years.

The criteria for selection, while well defined, found all of these candidates well over the top of what was being sought in individuals as recipients. The lifetime achievement award winners must have significantly demonstrated a history of dedication to Madera within three of the following areas - economic development, education, cultural enhancement, public policy/government relations, business/community relations, and quality of life.

Individuals must have exemplified these contributions by the following actions - actively work to advance civil and commercial endeavors, work towards positive change for community in government policy, promote and disseminate information for community awareness and advancement, participate in public or community service not related to career responsibilities and related to career areas, volunteered or provided extended effort for the betterment of our community and advocate on behalf of business.

“During their time of service, each of these honorees have possessed and displayed the following characteristics - knowledge, creativity, ability to bring people together, deal with adversity and diversity, innovativeness, ability to be a team player, willingness to lead, enthusiasm, compassion, ability to collaborate and create partnerships, ambition, and last but not least, respect.”, Bray said.

"I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can." - George Bernard Shaw

• 2008 Lifetime Achievement Honorees:  Paula Baraldi, Maurice Cappelluti, Monte Pistoresi, Jake 'B.J.' Robinson, Darwin Shebelut and Memorial Honoree William 'Bill' Cerioni, Jr.
• 2007 Lifetime Achievement Honorees:  Bill Alessini, Mary Cruz Chairez, Anna & Lee DaSilve, Jack Perialis, Lyle Sindt and Memorial Honoree Elmo Del Bianco
• 2006 Lifetime Achievement Honorees:  Don Floyd, Les Hayes, Sunny Nishimoto, Betty Pia, Sam Price and Memorial Honoree Nancy Clute
• 2005 Lifetime Achievement Honorees:  Abe Alvarez, Dave Berry, Dennis Chezick, Gary Giersch and Noreen Lattanzio

 2005 Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award Winners (pictured left to right) Dennis Chezick, Abe Alvarez, Noreen Lattanzio, Gary Giersch and Dave Berry. Photo courtesy of the Madera Tribune