Chamber Installs New Board, Honors Members

Lauralyn Loynes, Outgoing Chairwoman of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (holding flowers) is congratulated on a job well done in 2014 by (L to R) Mayor Carlos Olvera, Amy Walker, Deputy District Director for Congressman Darrell Issa; 5th District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, State Assemblyman Bill Brough, (Loynes) and Senator Pat Bates. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year for 2014, Richard Deffenbaugh, addresses the crowd. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Incoming Chairman Enzo Scognamiglio makes a toast to the Chamber’s new year. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Elaine LaVine (third from left) is congratulated by her team for being elected Business of the Year fo her State Farm Insurance Agency. Photo: Andrea Swayne

(L to R) Chief of Police Lt. Russ Chilton and Harold Kaufman congratulate Nancy Jenkins for being selected Citizen of the Year for 2014. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dr. Jeannine Kofford (center) attended with members of her staff at Riviera Laser Studios. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Mayor Carlos Olvera swears in the 2015 Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Jan. 29 at the chamber’s annual Installation Dinner, held at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Enzo Scognamiglio greets Alice Anderson at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner, Jan. 29 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Photo: Andrea Swayne

(L to R) City Councilman John Tomlinson, his wife Lori Tomlinson, Rick Erkeneff (SCWD director), Wayne Rayfield (SCWD director) and his wife Cubby Rayfield socialize during cocktail hour before the event. Photo: Andrea Swayne

By Andrea Swayne

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce inducted their new board of directors for 2015 and honored the business, ambassador and citizen of the year, Jan. 29 at their Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner, at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa.

An audience of about 200 dined and listened as outgoing Chairwoman Lauralyn Loynes gave a recap of the chamber’s many successes in 2014, including the creation of the Doheny Village Task Force and Shop Del Prado, a program created in concert with the city to support businesses during Lantern District revitalization.

Following Loynes’ speech, she handed off the gavel to incoming Chairman Enzo Scognamiglio.

“Our goal is to become even more engaged with our members and work even harder for you,” said Scognamiglio,” to the crowd, as he spoke of his plans for the coming year.

The Ambassador of the Year award went to Richard Deffenbaugh—owner of Dana Point Auto and a chamber member since 1971—for leading the chamber’s scholarship fund, among many other volunteer efforts. Nancy Jenkins was honored as Citizen of the Year for her extensive involvement in numerous community volunteer efforts, including her outreach work for the Dana Point 5^th Marine Regiment Support Group. Business of the Year honors were bestowed upon Elaine LaVine, of State Farm Insurance, whose recognition included kudos for her company’s involvement with Dana Hills High School, Relay for Life and the chamber.

A committee of former awardees is tasked each year with selecting the citizen and business of the year. Ambassador of the Year is chosen by fellow ambassadors.

The new board will hold its first official meeting on Wednesday