Fall 2025

184 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5 ~ THE P EN I NS U L A S C ENE ~ Monterey chamber Business Excellence Awards Monica Lal, David Armanasco, Rachel Biby, Kathryn Avila Photos by Kelli Uldall T he Chamber's annual Business Excellence Awards Dinner gives recognition to those businesses that have achieved excellence in their fields. 300-plus peninsula business and community leaders attended to show their support for the local businesses that make up the backbone of our community. Over 2,000 votes were cast by Chamber members as well as the public, and awards were presented to the top businesses in 16 categories. Mary Claypool, Penny Morris Kimbley Craig, Evan Snider, Claudia Link Colleen Courtney, Justin Tran, Jenny McAdams Allen & Clarissa Rowe, Jude Rangel, Steve Snider Jose Bazua, Libby Sofer, Ed Smith Daniel & Elizabeth Diaz Monique Kaldy, Danae Thomas, Nick Del Pozzo, Alexis Gough, Cynthia Conat Kali Smiley, Christopher Long, Brad Levang, Matt Ferry, Alyssa Carbonel Matsuhara BethWilbur, SusannaWilcox, Virginia H. Mendoza, Colleen Stanley, Annette Yee Steck, Deneen Guss Amanda deGraca, Vanja Quiñones, Hayley Azevedo, Jessica Ruiz, Mike LaPlante Heather Gardner, Erin Sollecito Jesse DeCarlo, Al James Photos: Kelli Uldall Ruben Chavez-Garcia, Penny Morris, Clay Larson, Krista Snelling, Niraj Maharaj, Jasmyn Morales, Rich Aiello, Michelle Navarro, Sun Shine Hohman, Daniel Zapata