(Indian Wells, CA) The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized several deserving business winners at its Installation Dinner and Annual Meeting.  The chamber does a call for nominees annually in May, asking its local membership to nominate businesses they feel deserving of recognition.

This year’s winners included three small businesses from across the valley recognized for excellent service and community impact.  Lopes Hardware (East), Luna Ink (Mid), and 18 I 8 Fine Men’s Salon (West) were all recognized with a Small Business of the Year award.   Joining them in the business category was Desert Care Network, recognized as the Large Business of the Year.   Desert Care Network was formed in 2017, when Desert Regional Medical Center joined with Hi-Desert Medical Center and JFK Memorial Hospital. With three hospitals, specialty centers, and one of the largest primary care networks in Desert Area. Desert Care Network was recognized for their commitment to community care and active engagement in the local business community.  (See Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Recognize Desert Care Network)

The 2019 Non-Profit of the Year was the Palm Springs Air Museum.  Accepting on behalf of the museum, Fred Bell spoke of the role Palm Springs Air Museum has played in preserving the memory of American war heroes, while educating the public on the role aviation has played in the country’s growth.  (See State Senator Jeff Stone Recognize the Palm Springs Air Museum)

The President’s Award recognizes community organizations that make an impact on local business and enhance the quality of life in the Coachella Valley.  The Coachella Valley Association of Governments received the award for their work maintaining and strengthening the valley’s infrastructure.  (See Assemblymember Chad Mayes Recognize CVAG)

This year’s Leadership Award recognized the role Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe has played in the growth and expansion of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians business footprint across the community.  The Tribal Council has consistently contributed to local job growth with their valley business ventures, including recent plans to build a state of the art 300,000 square foot, 10,000 seat arena on 16-acres of tribal land in downtown Palm Springs as early as February 2020.

Finally, the Chamber bestowed its highest honor, the Chairman John A. James Lifetime Achievement Award, on Hal Asher of Asher & Asher Consulting.  As the founder of the landmark advertising agency Asher/Gould Advertising of Los Angeles, Hal Asher has over 40 years of experience working to make household names of his clients. Since founding his current company Asher & Asher in 2003, he has continued the tradition of helping companies grow and become more successful.  During his career he took on the tobacco industry, with an iconic series of commercials that took the glamor out of smoking.  He also launched nationally recognized ads for Baskin Robbins, Suzuki, and more. Hal Asher joins past winners that include Alex Haagen III and the award’s namesake, Chairman John A. James of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, as the only people to receive the award.

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is a regional chamber formed in 2016 to support a diverse business community that spans nearly forty-five miles, serving the needs of nearly half a million year-round residents and over a million visitors each year.  As a business membership organization, they are supported through the generous investment and support of members.  We strive to enhance the economy and overall business climate for our membership through legislative advocacy, education, economic development, networking, and other community-based opportunities.  The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is a registered 501 (c)(6) non-profit.