Installation marks new year, new goals for the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
By Andrea Papagianis, Updated: 2/10/2014 at 10:37 a.m.
Leading in a new year for local business, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce installed its new leadership board and chairperson Thursday night at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and recognized members of the community for their service and dedication.
Lauralyn Loynes, associate publisher of the Dana Point Times, was named the chamber’s new chairwoman. Outgoing chairwoman of the board Terry Ross handed over the gavel, while highlighting the chamber’s achievements in 2013.
Last year, the chamber maintained over 400 members, Ross told the hundreds gathered at the annual event. It was the organization’s steady growth, leadership and commitment to the community at large that Ross attributed to its success.
Dana Point Auto is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and was recognized as Business of the Year. Past winner, Jorge Luhan II of Luciana’s Ristorante, honored Dana Point Auto’s Richard Deffenbaugh.
Deffenbaugh’s auto repair shop is the chamber’s longest running member—he joined in the early 70s. Over the years, Deffenbaugh has been active on the chamber’s board of directors and served as chairman of the chamber’s education committee this year. The committee provides scholarships for local students.
For his involvement in the local scene Gene Burrus, the voice behind Dana Point’s youth baseball games, was named Citizen of the Year. Burrus, who has announced youth sports in Dana Point for decades, also voices the Dana Point Festival of Whales annual parade.
Aside from his dedication to the community’s youth, Burrus is also devoted to helping fellow seniors at the Dana Point Community Center. He can be found most days, helping pack meals, working the crowd and leading activities at the center.
A drive down Pacific Coast Highway shows Burrus and his family in years gone by. Tiled onto the pedestrian walkway is a picture taken by Burrus’ father in 1933. The photo shows Burrus’ grandfather, Harry Hambly, his brother, Dick, their mother, Ruth and grandmother, Edie Hambly. 6-year-old Gene rounds out the group.
Little did he know then, that he would be named citizen of the year for this great town, Burrus told the crowd, as the pictured showed in the background.
Donia Moore was named chamber Ambassador of the Year. Moore is an active member with both the San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano chambers of commerce, and volunteers with the Ocean Institute, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and is a San Clemente Rotarian.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the Rotary Club Donia Moore is affiliated with. The story has been updated to correctly reflect her involvement. The Dana Point Times regrets the mistake.
Discussion about this post