First responders, YouthHope and Wings of Hope Hospice among those honored at the annual award ceremony and board installation dinner.
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First responders, YouthHope and Wings of Hope Hospice among those honored at the annual award ceremony and board installation dinner.
REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Chamber of Commerce celebrated the city’s exceptional individuals and organizations Jan. 11 at the 2025 Civic Awards and Installation Dinner, held at the University of Redlands. The event, which also marked the installation of the Chamber’s new Board of Directors, highlighted the accomplishments of local leaders who contribute to the vitality of the community.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Nathan Gonzales, archivist at A.K. Smiley Public Library, who served as master of ceremonies.
Guests were treated to dinner and entertainment by Ben Davis and his trio, followed by presentations that honored both new and seasoned community members.
The department heads recognized the Firefighter, Police Officer, and Service Member of the Year. The Redlands Chamber of Commerce also presented awards for New Organization of the Year, Organization of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year. The annual Man and Woman of the Year awards were presented by past honorees.
Engineer Bradford Williams was recognized for his dedication to the Redlands Fire Department and his leadership in training and mentoring probationary firefighters. Williams, known for his work ethic and community service, has also been instrumental in designing and implementing the department’s new Tractor-Drawn Aerial fire truck.
"Bradford’s unwavering commitment to excellence, sound judgment during emergencies, and compassion for the Redlands community exemplify his service," Chief Rich Sessler said during the ceremony.
Bradford is a 2007 graduate of Redlands East Valley High School. Bradford began his career with Cal Fire Riverside County in 2016 and joined the Redlands Fire Department in 2018, quickly advancing through training and promotions to become an Engineer in 2021. Recently, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University. Sessler also noted his devotion as a husband and father of two.
Officer Jose Vasquez received the department’s prestigious Jose A. Rivera Award for his proactive approach to public safety, including stolen vehicle recoveries and mentoring new recruits as a field training officer.
"He exemplifies the high level of character and professionalism expected as a member of the Redlands Police Department," Police Chief Rachel Tolber said of Vasquez during the award ceremony.
Tolber noted his dedication to the job, regularly working special details and overtime shifts on top of his normal schedule.
U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Andrew Dau was honored for his leadership as the Redlands Recruiting Station Commander, where he oversaw a 56% increase in enlistments.
A combat veteran, Dau’s dedication extends beyond military service to community engagement and volunteerism.
"He is in the arena every single day for our Army. He volunteers. He actively supports Redlands Unified School District students. He is a warrior. He is a patriot. He is an American Soldier. He supports local veterans. He is a husband, father, brother, mentor, and an extremely valued member of our team and the Redlands community," Major Josh Gonzalez said of Dau during the ceremony.
Redlands U.S Army Recruiting Company includes 50 soldiers with 22 different military occupational specialties across 7 different recruiting stations in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The Chamber awards were presented by Debi Menard, Chamber membership director, while past honorees, including Liz Beguelin and Tim Rochford, took the stage to recognize this year’s recipients of man and woman of the year.
Lappert’s Ice Cream earned accolades for its creative menu and community involvement, including partnerships with local schools and nonprofits.
Last year the shop has printed and distributed over 60,000 ice cream vouchers for students.
"This gesture not only brings joy to young people but also reinforces their commitment to investing in the education and well-being of the community," Menard said.
The 2024 finalists for New Organization of the year included Community Alliance Medical Group, Feel Good Market, and Lappert’s Ice Cream.
Finney’s Crafthouse, a family-owned tavern in downtown Redlands, was praised for its globally inspired menu and welcoming atmosphere.
The 2024 Restaurant of the Year finalists included The Three Stags, Finney’s Crafthouse and La Volata.
Mansion Memories was celebrated for creating magical experiences for children and families in crisis, using storytelling and creativity to bring joy during difficult times.
The 2024 Non-Profit of the Year finalists included Boys & Girls Club of Greater Redlands- Riverside, The Unforgettables Foundation, and Mansion Memories.
Wings of Hope Hospice was recognized for its compassionate end-of-life care and community outreach efforts, including its active participation in Chamber events and support for small businesses.
"It has become a shining example of an organization that truly embodies the values of compassion, collaboration, and community," said Menard.
The 2024 Organization of the Year finalists included Wings of Hope Hospice, Amlani Insurance Agency, and CR&R Environmental Services.
Heidi Mayer, founder of YouthHope, was celebrated for her work supporting homeless and at-risk youth.
Mayer’s journey of service began decades ago, first as the director of a children’s church program and later as a youth group leader and mission trip chaperone. Her experiences on a mission trip to West Coast cities profoundly impacted her, motivating her to address the needs of underserved youth in Redlands.
In 2009, Mayer founded YouthHope with a mission to “build confidence and promote self-sufficiency for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth, ages 14-24.”
Under her leadership, the nonprofit has provided housing, education, and job training to thousands of young people.
"The success of YouthHope is because of the hard work that she puts into it. She loves Redlands and is dedicated to continuing to help our city," Liz Beguelin 2022 woman of the Year said when presenting the award.
Mayer was joined on stage with past honorees.
Vietnam veteran Jim Eastwood was honored for his tireless efforts to support local veterans and youth.
Born in 1947, Eastwood attended Redlands schools before enlisting in the Army in 1965. He served in Korea and Vietnam as a Communication Technician in the Signal Corps.
After returning home in 1968, he quietly endured the challenges many veterans faced, eventually recognizing his struggles as PTSD. Inspired by The Traveling Vietnam Wall's visit to Redlands in 2007, Eastwood began volunteering to support veteran causes, transforming his experiences into advocacy.
Eastwood, who chairs the Redlands Veterans Committee and organizes community events, has become a beloved figure through his advocacy and volunteerism.
During the event, Evan Sanford, the Chamber's executive director, remarked, “2024 showed us we can bring people together in the very best way possible." Sanford highlighted the Chamber's outreach through two dozen networking events, tourism resources—including a new print map of the city—and community events such as the Dog Jog, Cocktail Competition, and New Year's Eve Orange Drop.
Assemblymember James Ramos officiated the installation of the 2025 Board of Directors, led by incoming Chamber Board President Jan Hudson.
During the ceremony, Ramos emphasized the importance of their role, stating, “Joining the Chamber's Board of Directors marks a crucial moment in your professional journey and for the community. Your contributions will drive the Redlands community's economic, educational, cultural, and civic progress.”
This article was written in partnership with the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.
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