The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County Celebrates “The Heart of Business” at 66th Annual Awards Celebration
Media Contact:
Laura Spencer, Marketing Coordinator
The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County
951-677-7916 ext. 5
Laura@ChamberSRC.org
The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County Celebrates “The Heart of Business” at 66th Annual Awards Celebration
MURRIETA, Calif. – The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County hosted its 66th Annual Awards Celebration on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, bringing together business leaders, community partners, elected officials, volunteers, and supporters for an evening dedicated to celebrating The Heart of Business.
This year’s theme placed the spotlight on the people behind the businesses, organizations, and community efforts that make Southwest Riverside County thrive. Throughout the evening, honorees were recognized not only for their professional accomplishments, but for the leadership, service, generosity, and commitment they demonstrate throughout the region.
The Chamber is proud to recognize the following 2026 award recipients:
Explore Murrieta Tourism Partner of the Year: Mulligan Family Fun Center
For nearly three decades, Mulligan Family Fun Center has created a place where fun, connection, and lasting memories come together. Beyond providing entertainment for families and visitors, Mulligan supports schools, nonprofits, military families, and young people throughout Southwest Riverside County, helping make Murrieta a destination families want to experience.
Wildomar Volunteer of the Year: Susan Greene
A Wildomar resident for 44 years, Susan Greene has built a lifetime around service. Her decades of involvement with the Elks Ladies Auxiliary include five terms as president and 24 years leading scholarship efforts, along with continued service as a volunteer kitchen manager and chef. She has also dedicated a lifetime of service to veterans through VFW Post 1508.
Murrieta Volunteer of the Year: Tom Grimes
Tom Grimes is a familiar face throughout Murrieta, consistently giving his time to welcome new Chamber members, mentor business owners, support community events, and serve wherever he is needed. His involvement spans the Field of Honor, food donations, the Adult Special Needs Valentine’s Dance, Murrieta Student of the Year, local fundraisers, service projects, and cybersecurity education.
Wildomar Citizen of the Year: Stacy Styrcula
Stacy Styrcula has made an impact by bringing together students, businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and volunteers to serve Wildomar. Her efforts include mentoring young leaders through the Wildomar Rotary Interact Club, organizing a Community Service Fair and annual Senior Prom, coordinating donation drives, supporting foster youth, and helping establish resources for local students and families.
Murrieta Citizen of the Year: Nikki Davis
Born and raised in Murrieta, Nikki Davis has demonstrated a deep commitment to her hometown through service in numerous areas of the community. She serves on the Murrieta Public Library Commission, is a board member and team manager with Murrieta National Little League, serves as president of Professional Women’s Roundtable, teaches in her church’s children’s ministry, and continually supports local businesses and community events.
Nonprofit of the Year: Lily Kelly Ministries
Born from profound loss, Lily Kelly Ministries has transformed sorrow into a growing source of hope, unity, and service. Since 2019, the organization has created programs and spaces that bring people together, including a chapel, coffee shop, children’s play area, thrift ministry, youth nights, support meetings, prayer walks, community events, and its annual Murrieta 5K.
Restaurant of the Year: Destination Smokehouse
Destination Smokehouse has created more than a place to enjoy authentic Texas-inspired barbecue; it has become a gathering place for the community. Its commitment extends beyond the restaurant through meals for Murrieta police, fire, and city teams, support for school athletics, community runs, local partnerships, and active participation in the business community.
Small Business of the Year: Nickerson Law, A.P.C.
Nickerson Law, A.P.C. helps families navigate some of life’s most important decisions through estate planning, probate, trust administration, conservatorships, and work supporting families of individuals with disabilities. Its commitment to service extends throughout the community, with its team supporting causes ranging from Special Olympics and autism resources to food assistance, animal rescue, schools, and local nonprofits.
Medium Business of the Year: Akahina Home Care
This military family-owned home care agency provides personalized support to seniors, veterans, adults with disabilities, and individuals recovering from illness or surgery. Akahina Home Care also advocates for veterans, mentors caregivers, helps families understand available benefits, and supports veterans, seniors, military families, and underserved children through its community and nonprofit efforts.
Large Business of the Year: Abbott
Abbott’s Temecula operation is helping change lives through the development and manufacturing of technologies that advance cardiovascular care. With nearly 2,000 full-time employees, the company also makes a significant local impact through workforce development, training and reskilling, infrastructure partnerships, health education, STEM programs, employee volunteerism, public safety initiatives, and charitable giving.
2026 Ambassador of the Year: Stephanie Stout
Stephanie Stout was named the 2026 Ambassador of the Year in recognition of her exceptional involvement, positive energy, and dedication to supporting the Chamber. Known for consistently showing up and bringing a warm, welcoming presence to Chamber events, Stout has become someone members and fellow Ambassadors genuinely enjoy connecting with. Her journey as an Ambassador has also been marked by tremendous personal growth, as she stepped outside her comfort zone, built her confidence, and embraced opportunities to become more involved. Today, she exemplifies the enthusiasm, commitment, and community spirit at the heart of the Chamber Ambassador program.
Chairman’s Choice Award: LouEllen Ficke
LouEllen Ficke was honored with the Chairperson’s Choice Award for a lifetime of selfless service and her lasting impact on the community. Embodying Rotary’s ideal of “Service Above Self,” Ficke has dedicated her time, wisdom, and heart to bringing people together and helping others. Among her many contributions, one of her most enduring legacies is helping establish the Rotary Club of Murrieta’s Field of Honor, a treasured community tradition honoring veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and personal heroes. Her continued work behind the scenes and decades of service have created a legacy that will touch lives for generations to come.
Patrick Ellis, President/CEO of the Chamber, reflected on the significance of this year’s theme and honorees:
“The Heart of Business is about the people who show up every day to build businesses, create jobs, serve others, and make our communities stronger. This year’s honorees represent that heart in so many different ways. Their leadership, generosity, innovation, and commitment remind us that a strong business community is ultimately built by people who care deeply about the place they call home.”
The evening also marked a historic milestone for the organization. At the conclusion of the celebration, the Chamber proudly announced its rebrand from the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce to The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County.
The new identity reflects the Chamber’s growing regional reach, partnerships, and impact while carrying forward its longstanding commitment to supporting the businesses and people it serves. Through networking, advocacy, promotion, economic and workforce development initiatives, and regional collaboration, The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County will continue working to create an environment where businesses and communities can thrive for generations to come.
The Chamber extends its gratitude to the sponsors, community partners, Board of Directors, Ambassadors, volunteers, attendees, and everyone who helped make the 66th Annual Awards Celebration possible.
Photos, videos, and additional highlights from the evening will be shared through The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County’s website and social media channels.
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The Chamber of Southwest Riverside County is a champion for business, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a catalyst for economic growth throughout the region. Through meaningful connections, business advocacy, workforce and economic development initiatives, resources, programs, and regional partnerships, the Chamber works to strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive today and into the future.
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