38th Annual Installation & Business Awards draws nearly 200 to Serrano Country Club
The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce brought together nearly 200 members of the region’s business community Thursday, Feb. 19, for its 38th Annual Installation & Business Awards, filling Serrano Country Club for an evening dedicated to leadership, advocacy and entrepreneurial excellence.
Sponsored by Marshall and emceed by Siri Nelson, the sold-out gala highlighted the strength and diversity of the El Dorado Hills business community. The evening featured a no-host bar, dinner and a lively silent auction benefiting the Chamber Scholarship Fund. An interactive photo booth was provided by Gigi & Co., and David Girard Vineyards sponsored the wine.
Among those in attendance were Congressman Tom McClintock, California State Assemblyman Joe Patterson, El Dorado County District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero, El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Janelle Horne and El Dorado County Assessor Jon DeVille, along with other regional dignitaries and community leaders.
During a team table “Chamber Advocacy” activity, attendees reflected on recent accomplishments of the Chamber, including keeping the California Welcome Center open, securing additional liquor licenses for restaurants in El Dorado County and advocating for local business interests. The discussion underscored the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to promote economic vitality and support the local business climate.
A highlight of the evening was the installation of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors. Sheriff Jeff Leikauf administered the oath of office as the new board was sworn in, marking the beginning of another year focused on collaboration, business development and community engagement.
The Chamber also recognized outstanding achievement through its Annual Business Awards. With strong nominations submitted in every category, this year’s honorees reflected a wide range of industries and entrepreneurial spirit within El Dorado Hills.
Michelle Martinez of Ludlow Cleaning Co. was named Home-Based Business of the Year. Michelle Watts of Yoga 6 EDH earned Start-Up Business of the Year honors. Bianca Wittenberg of FireFighter 1 received Small Business of the Year recognition. Steve Riley of Taylor Made Construction was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Excellence in Business of the Year went to Tom Rockenbaugh of Shingle Springs Subaru.
In a new addition to the program, the Chamber presented its first-ever Legacy in Commerce Award to Kevin Nagle, honoring his quiet generosity, bold leadership and commitment to creating opportunities and uplifting others within the community
2025 Annual Business Awards Winners
Home-Based Business of the Year — Michelle Martinez, Ludlow Cleaning Co.
Start-Up Business of the Year — Michelle Watts, Yoga 6 EDH
Small Business of the Year — Bianca Wittenberg, FireFighter 1
Young Entrepreneur of the Year — Steve Riley, Taylor Made Construction
Excellence in Business of the Year — Tom Rockenbaugh, Shingle Springs Subaru
Legacy in Commerce Award — Kevin Nagle
2025–2026 EDH Chamber Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board: Ed Manansala, Ed.D., El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools
Past Chairman: Jenna Hoyt, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Vice Chairman: David Williamson, Foothills Regional Insurance & Financial Solutions
Vice Chairman – Finance: James Boras, El Dorado Disposal
Todd Pate, Mercy Hospital Folsom
Dave Maestas, West Coast Events
Jennifer Yoder, Sierra Senior Transitions
Chief Michael Lilienthal, El Dorado Hills Fire Department
Alexandra Badolian, BI Designs & E Life Cycles
George Carpenter, Winn Communities
Melissa Crangle, Marble Valley Academy
Now in its 38th year, the Annual Installation & Business Awards continues to serve as a signature event for the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing its mission to promote local economic vitality and quality of life through advocacy, networking and community engagement.
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