Staff Report

The Solvang Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its annual Community Awards, which were presented March 29 at Root 246 restaurant. 

The chamber selected these 14 awards winners:

  • Large Business of the Year – Alisal Guest Ranch
  • Small Business of the Year – Valley Hardware and Garden Center
  • Winery of the Year – Sunstone Winery, and Lucas & Lewellen Winery
  • Restaurant of the Year – Ceccos Ristorante
  • Retailer of the Year – The Copenhagen House
  • Nonprofit Organization of the Year – Solvang Senior Center
  • Most Philanthropic Foundation of the Year – Hancock College Foundation
  • Solvang Ambassador of the Year – Hans Duus
  • Women Advocate of Year – Tess Martinez
  • Tourism of the Year 2017 – Bill Crandel
  • Community Volunteer of the Year – Bent Olsen
  • Community Volunteer of the Year – Cheri Balbacchino
  • Solvang Chamber of Commerce Award – Volunteer of the Year – Stacey Otte-Demangate
  • Linda Johansen Spirit of Community Volunteer of the Year – John Martino