RSS: Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards News http://www.spiritawardsIE.com/newsMgr/rss.php en-us Saturday, 11 April 2026 19:16:03 +0000 CMS “Bold by Design” Entrepreneurs Celebrated and Recognized at 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala!

Riverside, Calif., November 18, 2025 – A sellout crowd of over 800 entrepreneurs, business/civic leaders, and community members recognized and celebrated the visionaries who dare to be BOLD BY DESIGN – entrepreneurs who do not wait for opportunity but create it with purpose. As event founder and producer Mike Stull noted, “This event reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about business success – it is about vision, purpose, and community. And this year’s theme, “Bold by Design,” captures that perfectly.”

The audience, along with the 29 finalists selected from a pool of over 300 nominees, enjoyed an incredible evening of awards and entertainment that reinforced the gala’s status as Inland Southern California's premier business event. The entrepreneurs, representing 7 different categories of business/industry types, competed to be recognized as the top entrepreneur for 2025. In addition, the event featured the presentation of a special recognition – Family Business Legacy Award – to the Cramer family of Star Milling Co. a fourth-generation, family-owned feed maker based in Perris and born from Olin Cramer’s egg farm and built across more than five decades by the Cramer family - Richard, Bill, and current president Paul.

This year's award recipients recognized at the black-tie gala, chosen from the 29 finalists, include:

  • Star Milling Co – The Cramer Family - Perris – FAMILY BUSINESS LEGACY AWARD
  • Urban Habitat - Brett Brennan - Palm Desert – DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING & BEST OF THE BEST AWARD
  • Plastics Plus Technology - Kathy L. Bodor – Redlands – MANUFACTURING ENTREPRENEUR and MARY ANNE FOX TOP FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR
  • Super Foam Corp - Zef Neemuchwala – Riverside – EMERGING INNOVATOR
  • TKB Bakery and Deli - Melina Maza – Indio – FOOD, HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR
  • Threshold Aviation Group - Mark DiLullo – Chino – GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR
  • 360 Human Services - Harry Jackson - Apple Valley – HEALTHCARE ENTREPRENEUR
  • District & Charter Patrol - Zuriah McKnight – Ontario – SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR
  • HR Direct Services Inc. - Gabriela Mendoza - Ontario – SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR


    Learn more about each of the finalists and award recipients here!

    FAST PITCH COMPETITION

    As part of the event festivities, the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition was held for five future entrepreneurs to deliver a 90-second pitch about their up-and-coming venture idea to the audience and were critiqued on their overall preparation, poise and professional presentation. The top three pitches were recognized, and the top student walked away with a $4,000 prize. The fast pitch, which involves students from Cal State San Bernardino, is sponsored by local entrepreneur Garner Holt of Garner Holt Productions and County of San Bernardino Economic Development. The top 3 finishers were:

    • 1st Place – Jacob Estrada – BluCore Minerals
    • 2nd Place – Brianna Lee – Date in a Box
    • 3rd Place – Anjali – Flamingo Jeans
    ]]> Announcing the 32 Finalists for the 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala event!

    Announcing the 32 Finalists for the 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala event!

    SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., October 4, 2025 -- The Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship (RLCE) at Cal State San Bernardino and Premier Sponsor U.S. Bank announced the finalists for the 23rd annual celebration of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. 32 entrepreneurs were selected from a pool of over 300 nominees, 125 applications and 53 semifinalists which represented accomplished firms and emerging ventures with exceptional promise, making the evaluators’ task highly competitive. The 53 semifinalists participated in a reception on October 3, sponsored by McKell Partners, where they interacted with the event judges and their peer entrepreneurs. Immediately following the reception, the judges convened for several hours of deliberation, leading to the selection of 32 finalists.


    “The finalists represent a talented group of entrepreneurs who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the Inland Empire region,” said Spirit Awards founder and RLCE Director Mike Stull. “Being selected from such a deep field of outstanding businesses is a significant achievement—congratulations to all the finalists!”

    What’s next

    The finalists for the event will compete for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award in seven (7) different categories at the black-tie gala on November 18th at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside. Winners will be announced at the event.

    Meet the 2025 finalists:

      DESIGN, ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION ENTREPRENEUR
      • High-Light Electric Inc - Erwin Mendoza - Colton
      • K.A.R. Construction Inc. - Kurt & Peggy Rothweiler - Ontario
      • RSVC Company - Mark Aldaco - Riverside
      • Shell Roofing Solutions Group - Rudy Gutierrez - Chino
      • Urban Habitat - Brett Brennan - Palm Desert

      EMERGING INNOVATOR
      • BluCore Minerals LLC - Raymond Moorehead Jr. and Jacob Estrada - San Bernardino
      • From The Land - Dr. Gina Oliver - Yucaipa
      • Stored Power Technology Inc. - Jenny Zhang - Riverside
      • Super Foam Corp - Zef Neemuchwala - Riverside

      FOOD/HOSPITALITY/ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR
      • Adventure RV California - Marisol Hill - San Bernardino
      • Coffeecito House - Brittnee Chavarria - Riverside
      • TKB Bakery and Deli - Melina Maza - Indio

      GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR
      • Affordable Avionics Inc. DBA Araina Aviation - Deepun Desai - Chino
      • Complete Coach Works - Kallie Arevalo - Riverside
      • Inland Leaders Charter Schools - Mike Gordon - Yucaipa
      • Oak Tree Learning Center - Jennifer Carter - San Bernardino
      • Ridgeway Vison, Inc DBA Idyllwild Realty - Shane Stewart - Idyllwild
      • Threshold Aviation Group - Mark DiLullo - Chino

      HEALTHCARE ENTREPRENEUR
      • 360 Human Services - Harry Jackson - Apple Valley
      • Cedar House Life Change Center - Jamie Lamb - Bloomington
      • Visionaire Optometry Spa - Dr. Sana Shakil-Ansari - Riverside
      • VisitingHome LLC - Dyiana Donaldson Comeau - Corona

      MANUFACTURING ENTREPRENEUR
    • A19 Artisan Lighting - Cinnamon Alvarez - Ontario
    • Ecko Ice Products - Eric Rogers - Ontario
    • Metroll - Ashneel Chand & Diorem Marchan - Fontana
    • Plastics Plus Technology - Kathy L. Bodor - Redlands

      SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR
      • Arrowhead United Way - Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers - San Bernardino
      • CMAX Commercial Maintenance Inc - Frank Gutierrez - Ontario
      • District & Charter Patrol - Zuriah McKnight - Ontario
      • HR Direct Services Inc. - Gabriela Mendoza - Ontario
      • Oili - Colton Telford - Temecula
      • Post and Jam - Warren Burley - Temecula

      TICKETING

      Attendees can BOOK TICKETS ONLINE HERE Starting October 10 with direct seat selection for the 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala event. Ticket prices for the black-tie event range from $165 to $235 each + fees.

      Spirit Awards Event Features

      Commencing at 5:00 p.m. on November 18th, attendees will experience either a Gala, Preview or VIP reception, stellar event entertainment, awards presentations, and an exclusive after party! Ticket are on sale starting October 10!

      The Best of the Best Award. Sponsored by Best, Best & Krieger, LLP
      The top entrepreneur from among the evenings award recipients that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit will take home the 2025 Best of the Best award.

      The Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition

      Witness 90-second business pitches from competing student finalists. Audience members cast their votes for the best business idea through a live voting poll to determine which students will walk away with the top cash prizes.

      The Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award

      The top female entrepreneur from among the finalists that demonstrates exceptional leadership, vision and risk taking to create a unique business.

      Entertainment
      Upcoming entertainment guest stars are always an anticipated reveal during the gala. Past events have included topflight entertainment such as: Rock Legend Eddie Money, Ekenah Claudin-Transcending Box, and Gregory Adamson- Facing the Music Performance Artistry.

      VIP Reception Sponsored by U.S. Bank

      A portion of the proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship established by Dr. Mike Stull, Director of Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The scholarship is awarded to vetted and deserving entrepreneurship students in order to assist them in achieving their degree. Since inception, the fund has provided over $280,000 in scholarship support.

      • EVENT SPONSORS

        The Spirit of the Entrepreneur event is presented by the Randall W. Lewis for Entrepreneurship (RLCE) at California State University San Bernardino and U.S. Bank, and sponsored by a wide range of local organizations including:

      • PLATINUM SPONSORS Best Best & Krieger LLP, U.S. Bank, Southern California News Group, and Inland Empire Magazine
      • GOLD SPONSORS Varner & Brandt LLP, Riverside County Office of Economic Development, San Bernardino County Economic Development, JP Morgan Chase, Desmond & Louis, City of Riverside and PNC Bank
      • SILVER SPONSORS AmPac Business Capital, Columbia Bank, and Pepsico
      • JUDGING RECEPTION SPONSOR McKell Partners Wealth Management
      • VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR - U.S. Bank
      • WELCOM EXPERIENCE SPONSOR - Bank of America
      • GALA RECEPTION HOST Farmers & Merchants Bank
      • AFTER PARTY SPONSOR Customers Bank
      • WINE SPONSOR RP&B CPAs, Inc.
      ]]> Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards announces U.S. Bank as its first-ever Premier Sponsor

      “This milestone partnership highlights the shared mission we have with U.S. Bank to champion and elevate entrepreneurs who are making a powerful impact in our region,” said Mike Stull, director of the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship at CSUSB and founder of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards.

      The Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship (RLCE) at Cal State San Bernardino announced that U.S. Bank has joined the Center's Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards as the event's as its exclusive Premier Sponsor for 2025. This marks the first time in the award program’s 23-year history that a single sponsor has been recognized at the highest level, underscoring the significance of the partnership.

      Presented annually by Cal State San Bernardino, the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards celebrates innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial achievement across Inland Southern California. U.S. Bank’s expanded sponsorship reflects its dedication to empowering business owners and fostering economic vitality. As Premier Sponsor, U.S. Bank will play a key partnership role in supporting the event’s expansion and reach.

      “We are honored to have U.S. Bank expand its longstanding support of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards by becoming our exclusive Premier Sponsor in 2025,” said Mike Stull, director of the center and founder of the awards program. “This milestone partnership highlights the shared mission we have with U.S. Bank to champion and elevate entrepreneurs who are making a powerful impact in our region.”

      “At U.S. Bank, we are deeply committed to empowering business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed,” said Hector Zatarain, senior vice president and business banking market manager at U.S. Bank. “Elevating our partnership with the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards is a natural extension of our efforts to uplift the spirit of innovation and economic growth in the Inland Empire and beyond.”

      The 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards will be held on Nov. 18 at the Riverside Convention Center. Tickets and tables will be available beginning Oct. 10. For details, visit the Spirit Awards website

      ]]>             Announcing the 53 Semifinalists for the 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards

      San Bernardino, CA - The Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship (RLCE) at Cal State San Bernardino and Premier Sponsor U.S. Bank announced the 54 semifinalists for the 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, selected from more than 300 nominations and 125 complete applications. This year’s pool featured both accomplished firms and emerging ventures with exceptional promise, making the evaluators’ task highly competitive.

      “Our semifinalists exemplify the drive, ingenuity, and impact that power the Inland Empire’s entrepreneurial economy,” said Spirit Awards founder and RLCE Director Mike Stull. “Being selected from such a deep field is a significant achievement—congratulations to all the semifinalists!”

      What’s next

      The 53 semifinalists will attend a special Judging Reception on October 3, sponsored by McKell Partners Wealth Management. At the reception, the semifinalists will participate in brief, “speed-rounds” conversations with each of 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur judges—all former award recipients—for Q&A and follow-up. The Finalists will be announced on Friday, October 4, and will compete for the 2025 Spirit of the Entrepreneur award at the 23rd annual black-tie gala on November 18 at the Riverside Convention Center.

      Meet the 2025 Semifinalists

      • 360 Human Services - Harry Jackson - Apple Valley
      • A19 Artisan Lighting - Cinnamon Alvarez - Ontario
      • ABC Hopes, Inc. - Katie Moore - Corona
      • Advanced CNC Industries, Inc. - David Swanson - Temecula
      • Adventure RV California - Marisol Hill - San Bernardino
      • Affordable Avionics Inc. DBA Araina Aviation - Deepun Desai - Chino
      • Angel Heart Bio- Trauma - Juan Carrera - San Bernardino
      • Aquamor - Michael Baird - Temecula
      • Arrowhead United Way - Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers - San Bernardino
      • Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis - Maria Lease - Desert Hot Springs
      • Batta Foods Inc. - Gagan and Aman Batta - Jurupa Valley
      • BluCore Minerals LLC - Raymond Moorehead Jr. and Jacob Estrada - San Bernardino
      • Caravanserai - Alliance for Entrepreneurs - Mihai Patru - Palm Springs
      • Cedar House Life Change Center - Jamie Lamb - Bloomington
      • Christian Arts and Theatre - Cyndi L. Monroe - Corona
      • CMAX Commercial Maintenance Inc - Frank Gutierrez - Ontario
      • Coffeecito House - Brittnee Chavarria - Riverside
      • Complete Coach Works - Kallie Arevalo - Riverside
      • District & Charter Patrol - Zuriah McKnight - Ontario
      • Ecko Ice Products - Eric Rogers - Ontario
      • EDGE Sound Research - Valtteri Salomaki - Riverside
      • Enerje Wellness Therapy - Shawnnell Pugh - Riverside
      • Exclusive InFlight - Tasha Funes - Winchester
      • From The Land - Gina Oliver - Yucaipa
      • High-Light Electric Inc - Erwin Mendoza - Colton
      • HR Direct Services Inc. - Gabriela Mendoza - Ontario
      • Inland Leaders Charter Schools - Mike Gordon - Yucaipa
      • K.A.R. Construction Inc. - Kurt A. Rothweiler - Ontario
      • Metroll - Ashneel Chand & Diorem Marchan - Fontana
      • Middle Housing Partners - Jared Jones - Riverside
      • Oak Tree Learning Center - Jennifer Carter - Los Angeles
      • Oili - Colton Telford - Temecula
      • Phenix Gateway - Angel Sanchez - Riverside
      • Plastics Plus Technology - Kathy L Bodor - Redlands
      • Post and Jam - Warren Burley - Temecula
      • PV Circonomy Company - Terry Ko - Menifee
      • Ridgeway Vison, Inc DBA Idyllwild Realty - Shane Stewart - Idyllwild
      • RSVC Company - Mark Aldaco - Riverside
      • Scott McLeod Plumbing, Inc. - Scott McLeod - Rancho Cucamonga
      • Shell Roofing Solutions Group - Rudy Gutierrez - Chino
      • Sixth Street Coffee - Steven Garcia - Coachella
      • Spectacular Academy - Spectacular Smith - Ontario
      • Stored Power Technology Inc. - Jenny Zhang - Riverside
      • Super Foam Corp - Zef Neemuchwala - Riverside
      • The Adaptive Athlete, Inc. - Linda Weidner - Upland
      • Threshold Aviation Group - Mark DiLullo - Chino
      • TKB Bakery and Deli - Melina Maza - Indio
      • Urban Habitat - Brett Brennan - Palm Desert
      • Valley Resource Center Inc., dba EXCEED - Lee Trisler - Hemet
      • Visionaire Optometry Spa - Sana Shakil-Ansaro - Riverside
      • Visitinghome LLC - Dyiana Donaldson Comeau - Corona
      • Weapon X Worldwide Inc. - Tina Richter - Ontario
      • Western Science Center - Alton C. Dooley Jr. - Hemet

        JUDGING RECEPTION is Sponsored by McKell Partners Wealth Management.

        Spirit Awards Event Features

        Commencing at 5:00 p.m. on November 18, attendees will experience either a Gala or VIP reception, stellar event entertainment, awards presentations, and an exclusive after party! Ticket sales will be starting on October 10th!

        Best of the Best Award
        The top entrepreneur from among the evenings award recipients that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit will take home the 2025 Best of the Best award, sponsored by Best, Best & Krieger, LLP

        The Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award
        The outstanding female entrepreneur from among the finalists will be recognized with the Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award.

        The Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition

        Witness 90-second business pitches from competing student finalists. Audience members cast their votes for the best business idea through a live voting poll to determine which students will walk away with the top cash prizes.

        Entertainment
        Upcoming entertainment guest stars are always an anticipated reveal during the gala. Past events have included top flight entertainment such as: Rock Legend Eddie Money, Ekenah Claudin-Transcending Box, and Gregory Adamson- Facing the Music Performance Artistry.

        VIP Reception Sponsored by U.S. Bank

        A portion of the proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship established by Dr. Mike Stull, Director of Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The scholarship is awarded to vetted and deserving entrepreneurship students from CSUSB's School of Entrepreneurship, to assist them in achieving their degree.

        • EVENT SPONSORS

          The Spirit of the Entrepreneur event is presented by the Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship (RLCE), U.S. Bank, and the Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino and sponsored by a wide range of local organizations including:

        • PLATINUM SPONSORS Best Best & Krieger LLP, Southern California News Group, and Inland Empire Magazine.
        • GOLD SPONSORS Varner & Brandt LLP, Riverside County Office of Economic Development, San Bernardino County Economic Development, JP Morgan Chase, Desmond & Louis, City of Riverside and PNC Bank
        • SILVER SPONSORS Columbia Bank, Pepsico
        • JUDGING RECEPTION SPONSOR McKell Partners Wealth Management
        • VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR U.S. Bank
        • WELCOME EXPERIENCE SPONSOR Bank of America
        • GALA RECEPTION HOST Farmers & Merchants Bank
        • AFTER PARTY SPONSOR Customers Bank
        • WINE SPONSOR RP&B CPAs
        ]]> Top Entrepreneurs of Inland Southern California Unveiled at 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala!

        Riverside, Calif., November 21, 2024 – A sellout crowd of over 850 entrepreneurs, business/civic leaders, and community members recognized and celebrated a diverse spectrum of entrepreneurs at the 22nd annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala. The audience, along with the 34 finalists selected from a pool of nearly 300 nominees, enjoyed an incredible evening of awards and entertainment that reinforced the gala’s status as Inland Southern California's premier business event.

        This year's award recipients recognized at the black-tie gala, chosen from the 34 finalists, include:

      • Mauro Gomez, Anita's Mexican Food – San Bernardino – MANUFACTURING ENTREPRENEUR & BEST OF THE BEST AWARD
      • Hilda Kennedy, AmPac Business Capital - Ontario – MARY ANNE FOX TOP FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR
      • Fadi Ballout, The Cupcake & Espresso Bar - Moreno Valley – FOOD, HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR
      • Naushad Imam Mohammed, World Wide Wings LLC - San Bernardino – GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR
      • Phillip and Sarah Saucedo, Integrated Care Communities Family of Companies - Moreno Valley– HEALTHCARE ENTREPRENEUR
      • Dr. Dale Marsden, Tomorrow's Talent - San Bernardino – SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR
      • Hekmat Sherzad, Alliant Global Security Services - Riverside – SMALL/EMERGING ENTERPRISE
      • Cesar Navarrete, Children's Fund - San Bernardino – SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR

        FAST PITCH COMPETITION

        As part of the event festivities, the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition was held for five future entrepreneurs to deliver a 90-second pitch about their up-and-coming venture idea to the audience and were critiqued on their overall preparation, poise and professional presentation. The top three pitches were recognized, and the top student walked away with a $4,000 prize. The fast pitch, which involves students from Cal State San Bernardino, is sponsored by local entrepreneur Garner Holt of Garner Holt Productions and City National Bank. The top 3 finishers were:

        • 1st Place - Alexis Luna - Skill Swipe
        • 2nd Place - Analis Mustelier - Safe Maps
        • 3rd Place - Brianna Lee - Campus Cravings
        ]]> Finalists announced for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards 2024 gala event!

        Finalists announced for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards 2024 gala event!

        SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., October 4, 2024 -- The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at Cal State San Bernardino announced the finalists for the 22nd annual celebration of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. 34 entrepreneurs were selected from a pool of over 300 nominees. 36 semi-finalists participated in a reception on October 3, sponsored by McKell Partners, where they interacted with the event judges and their peer entrepreneurs. Immediately following the reception, the judges convened for several hours of deliberation, leading to the selection of 34 finalists. The finalists for the event will compete for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award in seven (7) different categories at the black-tie gala on November 21st at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside. Winners will be announced at the event.

        The 2024 Inland Empire entrepreneurial finalists include:

        FOOD/HOSPITALITY/ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR
        • The Cupcake & Espresso Bar, Fadi Ballout - Moreno Valley
        • Venue38, Christine Harris - Redlands
        • Yummy Snacks Treats and Goodies, Edwina Thomas - Redlands
        GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR
        • AmPac Business Capital, Hilda Kennedy - Ontario
        • Angel Jewelers, Liliana Andriani - Rancho Cucamonga
        • Foxtrot Construction, Inc., Fermin Fosado - Colton
        • PJ's Desert Trophies & Gifts and McDowell Awards, Elaine Holmes - Indio
        • The Talent Factory Dance Studio and Gymnasium, Andrea Dianne Roberts - Chino
        • World Wide Wings LLC, Naushad Imam Mohammed - San Bernardino
        HEALTHCARE ENTREPRENEUR
        • 360 Human Services, Harry Jackson - Victorville
        • All Hours Adult Care, Marie Vernon - Riverside
        • Globe Biomedical, Matthew Rickard - Riverside
        • Integrated Care Communities Family of Companies, Phillip and Sarah Saucedo - Moreno Valley
        • Virent Health, Dr. Davetta Hammond - Riverside
        • Wax Apothecary, Diana Orr - Idyllwild
        MANUFACTURING ENTREPRENEUR
        • Anita's Mexican Foods, Corp., Mauro Gomez - San Bernardino
        • Environmental Lighting for Architecture, Inc., Bill Grogan - Corona
        SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR
        • Active IT Solutions, David Shay - Riverside
        • Craig Davis Family Insurance, Craig Davis - Temecula
        • Elite Tax Partners, Nicole Albrecht - Temecula
        • Fast Lane Tires, LLC, Juan and Shannon Baltazar - Wildomar
        • Roses Say, Rose Study - Chino Hills
        • Tomorrow's Talent, Dr. Dale Marsden - San Bernardino
        SMALL/EMERGING ENTERPRISE
        • Alliant Global Security Services, Hekmat Sherzad - Riverside
        • Aly Rose Beauty, Aly Collins - Temecula
        • Brite and Clean, Inc., Tim Bloom - Yucaipa
        • Tinker the Robot, Kay Yang - Upland
        SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR
        • Caravanserai Project, Mihai Patru - Palm Springs
        • Children's Fund, Cesar Navarrete - San Bernardino
        • Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, Zeb Welborn - Chino
        • Families Achieving Success, Katie Marie McClendon - Perris
        • Human Migration Institute, Selin Yildiz Nielsen - Riverside
        • Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, Edward Ornelas, Jr. - Ontario
        • Wildomar Community and Parks Foundation Inc., Bridgette Moore - Wildomar

        TICKETING

        Attendees can BOOK TICKETS ONLINE HERE Starting October 10 with direct seat selection for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala event. Ticket prices for the black-tie event range from $150 to $225 each + fees.

        Spirit Awards Event Features

        Commencing at 5:00 p.m. on November 21st, attendees will experience either a Gala, Preview or VIP reception, stellar event entertainment, awards presentations, and an exclusive after party! Ticket are on sale now!

        The Best of the Best Award. Sponsored by Best, Best & Krieger, LLP
        The top entrepreneur from among the evenings award recipients that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit will take home the 2024 Best of the Best award.

        The Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition

        Witness 90-second business pitches from competing student finalists. Audience members cast their votes for the best business idea through a live voting poll to determine which students will walk away with the top cash prizes.

        The Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award

        The top female entrepreneur from among the finalists that demonstrates exceptional leadership, vision and risk taking to create a unique business.

        Entertainment
        Upcoming entertainment guest stars are always an anticipated reveal during the gala. Past events have included top flight entertainment such as: Rock Legend Eddie Money, Ekenah Claudin-Transcending Box, and Gregory Adamson- Facing the Music Performance Artistry.

        VIP Reception Sponsored by City National Bank an RBC Company

        A portion of the proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship established by Dr. Mike Stull, Director of Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The scholarship is awarded to vetted and deserving entrepreneurship students in order to assist them in achieving their degree. Since inception, the fund has provided over $250,000 in scholarship support.

        • EVENT SPONSORS

          The Spirit of the Entrepreneur event is presented by the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University San Bernardino and sponsored by a wide range of local organizations including:

        • PLATINUM SPONSORS Best Best & Krieger LLP, U.S. Bank, Southern California News Group, and Inland Empire Magazine
        • GOLD SPONSORS Varner & Brandt LLP, San Bernardino County EDA, City of Riverside, Desmond & Louis, Riverside County Office of Economic Development and PNC Bank
        • SILVER SPONSORS Eide Bailly, First Citizens Bank, Pepsico, and Pacific Premier Bank
        • JUDGING RECEPTION SPONSOR McKell Partners Wealth Management
        • VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR - City National Bank, An RBC Company
        • PREVIEW RECEPTION SPONSOR - Bank of America
        • AFTER PARTY SPONSOR BBSI, Inc.
        • CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR BBSI, Inc.
        • WINE SPONSOR RP&B CPAs, Inc.
        ]]>                 Semi-Finalist Entrepreneurs announced for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards!

        San Bernardino, CA - The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at Cal State San Bernardino announced the semi-finalists for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. Chosen from a field of over 260 nominees, the 36 semi-finalists will attend a judging reception sponsored by McKell Partners on October 3rd where they will meet and interact with the event judges. Immediately following the reception, the judges will convene, deliberate and select the finalists, whose names will be unveiled on October 4th. The finalists for the event will compete for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur award at the 22nd annual black-tie gala on November 21st at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside.

        THE 2024 INLAND EMPIRE ENTREPRENEURIAL SEMI-FINALISTS INCLUDE:

        • 360 Human Services, Harry Jackson - Victorville
        • Active IT Solutions, David Shay - Riverside
        • Affordable Plastics & Packaging, Inc., Aldo Villalpando - Ontario
        • All Hours Adult Care, Marie A. Vernon - Riverside
        • Alliant Global Security Services, Hekmat Sherzad - Riverside
        • Aly Rose Beauty, Aly Collins - Temecula
        • AmPac Business Capital, Hilda Kennedy - Ontario
        • Angel Jewelers, Liliana Andriani - Rancho Cucamonga
        • Anita's Mexican Foods, Corp., Mauro Gomez - San Bernardino
        • Brite and Clean, Inc., Tim Bloom - Yucaipa
        • Caravanserai Project, Mihai Patru - Palm Springs
        • Children's Fund, Cesar Navarrete - San Bernardino
        • Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, Zeb Welborn - Chino
        • Craig Davis Family Insurance, Craig Davis - Temecula
        • Elite Tax Partners, Nicole Albrecht - Temecula
        • Environmental Lighting for Architecture, Inc., Bill Grogan - Corona
        • Families Achieving Success, Katie Marie McClendon - Perris
        • Fast Lane Tires, LLC, Juan and Shannon Baltazar - Wildomar
        • Foxtrot Construction, Inc., Fermin Fosado - Colton
        • Globe Biomedical, Matthew Rickard - Riverside
        • Human Migration Institute, Selin Yildiz Nielsen - Riverside
        • Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, Edward Ornelas, Jr. - Ontario
        • Integrated Care Communities Family of Companies, Phillip and Sarah Saucedo - Moreno Valley
        • PJ's Desert Trophies & Gifts and McDowell Awards, Elaine Holmes - Indio
        • Roses Say, Rose Study - Chino Hills
        • Swell Productions, Dave Hansen - Corona
        • The Cupcake & Espresso Bar, Fadi Ballout - Moreno Valley
        • The Talent Factory Dance Studio and Gymnasium, Andrea Dianne Roberts - Chino
        • Tinker the Robot, Kay Yang - Upland
        • Tomorrow's Talent, Dr. Dale Marsden - San Bernardino
        • Venue38, Christine Harris - Redlands
        • Virent Health, Dr. Davetta Hammond - Riverside
        • Wax Apothecary, Diana Orr - Idyllwild
        • Wildomar Community and Parks Foundation Inc., Bridgette Moore - Wildomar
        • World Wide Wings LLC, Naushad Imam Mohammed - San Bernardino
        • Yummy Snacks Treats and Goodies, Edwina Thomas - Redlands

          JUDGING RECEPTION is Sponsored by McKell Partners Wealth Management.


          Spirit Awards Event Features

          Commencing at 5:00 p.m. on November 21st, attendees will experience either a Gala, VIP or Preview reception, stellar event entertainment, awards presentations, and an exclusive after party! Ticket sales will be starting on October 10th!

          Best of the Best Award
          The top entrepreneur from among the evenings award recipients that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit will take home the 2024 Best of the Best award, sponsored by Best, Best & Krieger, LLP

          The Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award
          The outstanding female entrepreneur from among the finalists will be recognized with the Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award.

          The Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition

          Witness 90-second business pitches from competing student finalists. Audience members cast their votes for the best business idea through a live voting poll to determine which students will walk away with the top cash prizes.

          Entertainment
          Upcoming entertainment guest stars are always an anticipated reveal during the gala. Past events have included top flight entertainment such as: Rock Legend Eddie Money, Ekenah Claudin-Transcending Box, and Gregory Adamson- Facing the Music Performance Artistry.

          VIP Reception Sponsored by City National Bank an RBC Company

          A portion of the proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship established by Dr. Mike Stull, Director of Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The scholarship is awarded to vetted and deserving entrepreneurship students from CSUSB's School of Entrepreneurship, to assist them in achieving their degree.

          • EVENT SPONSORS

            The Spirit of the Entrepreneur event is presented by the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE)and the Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino and sponsored by a wide range of local organizations including:

          • PLATINUM SPONSORS Best Best & Krieger LLP, U.S. Bank, Southern California News Group, and Inland Empire Magazine.
          • GOLD SPONSORS Varner & Brandt LLP, San Bernardino County Economic Development, Desmond & Louis, and Riverside County Office of Economic Development
          • SILVER SPONSORS Pacific Premier Bank, First Citizens Bank
          • JUDGING RECEPTION SPONSOR McKell Partners Wealth Management
          • VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR City National Bank, An RBC Company
          • PREVIEW RECEPTION SPONSOR - Bank of America
          • AFTER PARTY SPONSOR BBSI, Inc.
          • CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR BBSI, Inc.
          • WINE SPONSOR RP&B CPAs
          ]]> Top Entrepreneurs of 2023 Unveiled at Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala!

          Riverside, Calif., November 15, 2023 – Celebrating in the theme of “accelerating the future,” a crowd of nearly 900 entrepreneurs and community members gathered for the 21st annual gala of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur, witnessing a stellar evening of awards and entertainment that reinforced the gala’s status as the premier business event of the Inland Empire region.

          This year's award recipients recognized at the black-tie gala, chosen from the 32 finalists, include:

        • Prospero Collado, H&S Transport – Fontana – GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR & BEST OF THE BEST AWARD
        • Christine Holyfield, My Health Penguin - Rancho Cucamonga – MARY ANNE FOX TOP FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR
        • Kirby Hays, Cal Pacific Constructors, Inc. – Riverside – CORPORATE ENTREPRENEUR
        • Stephen Hasemeyer, Arcade Coffee Roasters – Riverside – FOOD, HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR
        • Jeff Grange, Symbiosis – Redlands – HEALTHCARE ENTREPRENEUR
        • Pete Benavidez – Blindness Support Services – Riverside – NONPROFIT ENTREPRENEUR
        • Andrea K. Shoup, Shoup Legal – Murrieta – SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR
        • Dana Walker-Jackson, Cinderella’s Closet – Rancho Cucamonga – SMALL/EMERGING ENTERPRISE

          FAST PITCH COMPETITION

          As part of the event festivities, the Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition was held for five future entrepreneurs to deliver a 90-second pitch about their up-and-coming venture idea to the audience and were critiqued on their overall preparation, poise and professional presentation. The top three pitches were recognized, and the top student walked away with a $4,000 prize. The fast pitch, which involves students from Cal State San Bernardino, is sponsored by local entrepreneur Garner Holt of Garner Holt Productions and City National Bank. The top 3 finishers were:

          • Samuel Moreno - SPIKED
          • Jeramy Sanchez - Business Spanish Solutions
          • Ana Gonzalez – Bake with Me
          ]]> Finalists announced for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards 2023 gala event!

          Finalists announced for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards 2023 gala event!

          SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., October 5, 2023 -- The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at Cal State San Bernardino announced the finalists for the 21st annual celebration of the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. 32 entrepreneurs were selected from a pool of over 250 nominees. 41 semi-finalists participated in a reception on October 4, sponsored by RP&B CPAs, where they interacted with the event judges. Immediately following the reception, the judges convened and selected the 32 finalists. The finalists for the event will compete for the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award in seven (7) different categories at the black-tie gala on November 15 at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside. Winners will be announced at the event.

          The 2023 Inland Empire entrepreneurial finalists include:

          CORPORATE ENTREPRENEUR
          • Cal Pacific Constructors, Inc., Kirby Hays - Riverside
          • Columbia Aluminum Products, LLC, Drew Mumford Sr - Corona
          • Technical Employment Training Inc., Virginia Martinez - San Bernardino
          • Williams Furnace Company, aka Williams, Williams Comfort Products, Thinh Pho - Colton
          FOOD/HOSPITALITY/ENTERTAINMENT ENTREPRENEUR
          • Angelo's Brick Oven Pizzeria, Angelo Catalano - Wildomar
          • Arcade Coffee Roasters, Stephen Hasemeyer - Riverside
          • E.A.T Marketplace A Cultivating Good company, Leah Di Bernardo and Joanne Di Bernardo - Temecula
          • Gram's BBQ Restaurant & Catering, Benita Bratton - Riverside
          • My Healthy Penguin, Christine Holyfield (Lopez) - Rancho Cucamonga
          • SkyPark at Santa's Village, Bill Johnson - Skyforest
          GENERAL ENTREPRENEUR
          • A&R Tarpaulins, Inc., Bud Weisbart - Fontana
          • California Smog Institute, CSAI Auto Service, CSAI Smog Check Center & Sage Leadership Academy, Jonathan and Patricia Summers - Riverside
          • Composition Hospitality, Jeffrey Luchonok - Ontario
          • H&S Transport Inc., Prospero Collado - Fontana
          • North Shore Greenhouses, Inc., Suzette Overgaag - Thermal
          HEALTHCARE ENTREPRENEUR
          • 360 Human Services, Harry Jackson - Victorville
          • MVS, Inc. (Mountain View Services), Eric Goodman - Redlands
          • Symons Emergency Specialties Inc. DBA Symbiosis, Jeff Grange - Redlands
          NONPROFIT ENTREPRENEUR
          • Blindness Support Services, Pete Benavidez - Riverside
          • Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce | Welborn Media, Zeb Welborn - Chino
          • Greater Ontario Business Council, Peggi Hazlett - Ontario
          SERVICE-BASED ENTREPRENEUR
          • Active IT Solutions, Inc., David Shay - Riverside
          • Bid Fast and Last, Jeff Patterson and Johan Graham - Hesperia
          • Biztek Solutions, Inc., Derek Anderson - Riverside
          • Murrish Maintenance Construction Services LLC, Suzie Murrish - Ontario
          • Shoup Legal, Andrea K. Shoup - Murrieta
          • Tomorrow's Talent, Dale Marsden, EdD - San Bernardino
          SMALL/EMERGING ENTERPRISE
          • Cinderella's Closet Your Specialty Lingerie Boutique, Dana Walker-Jackson - Rancho Cucamonga
          • Heyward Marketing Lab, Chastity Heyward - Temecula
          • McKell Partners Wealth Management, Mark McKell, CPA & Adam McKell, CPA- Riverside
          • Roses Say, Rose Study - Chino Hills
          • Vested Solutions, Vernon Wyllie-James - Desert Hot Springs

          TICKETING

          Attendees can BOOK TICKETS ONLINE HERE with direct seat selection for the 2023 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards gala event. Ticket prices for the black-tie event range from $145 to $195 each.

          Spirit Awards Event Features

          Commencing at 5:00 p.m. on November 15th, attendees will experience either a Gala, Preview or VIP reception, stellar event entertainment, awards presentations, and an exclusive after party! Ticket are on sale now!

          The Best of the Best Award. Sponsored by Best, Best & Krieger, LLP
          The top entrepreneur from among the evenings award recipients that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit will take home the 2023 Best of the Best award.

          The Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition

          Witness 90-second business pitches from competing student finalists. Audience members cast their votes for the best business idea through a live voting poll to determine which students will walk away with the top cash prizes.

          The Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award

          The top female entrepreneur from among the finalists that demonstrates exceptional leadership, vision and risk taking to create a unique business.

          Entertainment
          Upcoming entertainment guest stars are always an anticipated reveal during the gala. Past events have included top flight entertainment such as: Rock Legend Eddie Money, Ekenah Claudin-Transcending Box, and Gregory Adamson- Facing the Music Performance Artistry.

          VIP Reception Sponsored by City National Bank an RBC Company

          A portion of the proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship established by Dr. Mike Stull, Director of Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The scholarship is awarded to vetted and deserving entrepreneurship students in order to assist them in achieving their degree. Since inception, the fund has provided over $235,000 in scholarship support.

          • EVENT SPONSORS

            The Spirit of the Entrepreneur event is presented by the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University San Bernardino and sponsored by a wide range of local organizations including:

          • PLATINUM SPONSORS Best Best & Krieger LLP, U.S. Bank, Southern California News Group, Inland Empire Magazine, and Inland Empire Business Journal
          • GOLD SPONSORS Varner & Brandt LLP, Wilson Ivanov CPAs, San Bernardino County EDA, JP Morgan Chase, Desmond & Louis, and Riverside County Office of Economic Development
          • SILVER SPONSORS Pacific Premier Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Pepsico, Eide Bailly LLP
          • JUDGING RECEPTION SPONSOR Roorda, Piquet & Bessee, Inc.
          • VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR - City National Bank, An RBC Company
          • PREVIEW RECEPTION SPONSOR - Bank of America
          • AFTER PARTY SPONSOR - Roark Financial
          • WINE & CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR - BBSI, Inc.
          ]]>                     Semi-Finalist Entrepreneurs announced for the 2023 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards!

          San Bernardino, CA - The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at Cal State San Bernardino announced the semi-finalists for the 2023 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards program. Chosen from a field of over 250 nominees, the 45 semi-finalists will attend a judging reception on October 4th where they will meet and interact with the event judges. Immediately following the reception, the judges will convene, deliberate and select the finalists, whose names will be unveiled on October 5th. The finalists for the event will compete for the 2023 Spirit of the Entrepreneur award at the 21st annual black-tie gala on November 15th at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside.

          THE 2023 INLAND EMPIRE ENTREPRENEURIAL SEMI-FINALISTS INCLUDE:

          • 360 Human Services, Harry Jackson - Victorville
          • A&R Tarpaulins, Inc., Bud Weisbart - Fontana
          • Active IT Solutions, Inc., David Shay - Riverside
          • Angelo's Brick Oven Pizzeria, Angelo Catalano - Wildomar
          • Arcade Coffee Roasters, Stephen Hasemeyer - Riverside
          • Bid Fast and Last, Jeff Patterson and Johan Graham - Hesperia
          • Biztek Solutions, Inc., Derek Anderson - Riverside
          • Blindness Support Services, Pete Benavidez - Riverside
          • Cal Pacific Constructors, Inc., Kirby Hays - Riverside
          • California Smog Institute, CSAI Auto Service, CSAI Smog Check Center & Sage Leadership Academy, Jonathan and Patricia Summers - Riverside
          • Chef2thebone LLC, Reginald Stewart - Corona
          • Chelas Bakery #1, Celia and Javier - Riverside
          • Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce | Welborn Media, Zeb Welborn - Chino
          • Cinderella's Closet Your Specialty Lingerie Boutique, Dana Walker-Jackson - Rancho Cucamonga
          • Columbia Aluminum Products, LLC, Drew Mumford Sr - Corona
          • Composition Hospitality, Jeffrey Luchonok - Ontario
          • E.A.T Marketplace A Cultivating Good company, Leah Di Bernardo and Joanne Di Bernardo - Temecula
          • Gram's BBQ Restaurant & Catering, Benita Bratton - Riverside
          • Greater Ontario Business Council, Peggi Hazlett - Ontario
          • H&S Transport Inc., Prospero Collado - Fontana
          • Heyward Marketing Lab, Chastity Heyward - Temecula
          • ISU Insurance Services - ARMAC Agency, Ryan McEachron - Victorville
          • McKell Partners Wealth Management, Mark McKell - Riverside
          • MillworX Precision Machining, Inc., Stacy Wilson - Corona
          • Montague Brothers Coffee, Nichole Montague - Wildomar
          • Murrish Maintenance Construction Services LLC, Suzie Murrish - Ontario
          • MVS, Inc. (Mountain View Services), Eric Goodman - Redlands
          • My Healthy Penguin, Christine Holyfield (Lopez) - Rancho Cucamonga
          • National Logistics Team, LLC., Erik Meza - Grand Terrace
          • North Shore Greenhouses, Inc., Suzette Overgaag - Thermal
          • Off The Chain Alliance, Porscha N. Dillard - Riverside
          • Roses Say, Rose Study - Chino Hills
          • Shoup Legal, Andrea K. Shoup - Murrieta
          • SkyPark at Santa's Village, Bill Johnson - Skyforest
          • Symons Emergency Specialties Inc. DBA Symbiosis, Jeff Grange - Redlands
          • Technical Employment Training Inc., Virginia Martinez - San Bernardino
          • Tomorrow's Talent, Dale Marsden, EdD - San Bernardino
          • Tu Organics LLC , Mariatu Tu Browne - Rancho Cucamonga
          • United Material Handling, Inc., Ryan Bartlett - Corona
          • Vested Solutions, Vernon WyllieJames - Desert Hot Springs
          • Wallace Commercial Landscape, Tamara Wallace - Apple Valley
          • Watermark Associates, Judy A Zulfiqar - Temecula
          • West Coast Entitlement, LLC, Craig Heaps - Calimesa
          • Williams Furnace Company, Thinh Pho - Colton

            JUDGING RECEPTION is Sponsored by Roorda, Piquet & Bessee, Inc.


            Spirit Awards Event Features

            Commencing at 5:00 p.m. on November 15th, attendees will experience either a Gala, VIP or Preview reception, stellar event entertainment, awards presentations, and an exclusive after party! Ticket sales will be starting soon!

            Best of the Best Award
            The top entrepreneur from among the evenings award recipients that best exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit will take home the 2023 Best of the Best award, sponsored by Best, Best & Krieger, LLP

            The Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award
            The outstanding female entrepreneur from among the finalists will be recognized with the Mary Anne Fox Top Female Entrepreneur Award.

            The Garner Holt Student Fast Pitch Competition

            Witness 90-second business pitches from competing student finalists. Audience members cast their votes for the best business idea through a live voting poll to determine which students will walk away with the top cash prizes.

            Entertainment
            Upcoming entertainment guest stars are always an anticipated reveal during the gala. Past events have included top flight entertainment such as: Rock Legend Eddie Money, Ekenah Claudin-Transcending Box, and Gregory Adamson- Facing the Music Performance Artistry.

            VIP Reception Sponsored by City National Bank an RBC Company

            A portion of the proceeds from the Spirit of the Entrepreneur event benefit the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Scholarship established by Dr. Mike Stull, Director of Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. The scholarship is awarded to vetted and deserving entrepreneurship students from CSUSB's School of Entrepreneurship, in order to assist them in achieving their degree.

            • EVENT SPONSORS

              The Spirit of the Entrepreneur event is presented by the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) and the Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration at California State University San Bernardino and sponsored by a wide range of local organizations including:

            • PLATINUM SPONSORS Best Best & Krieger LLP, U.S. Bank, Southern California News Group, Inland Empire Magazine, and Inland Empire Business Journal
            • GOLD SPONSORS Varner & Brandt LLP, Wilson Ivanov CPAs, San Bernardino County EDA, JP Morgan Chase, Desmond & Louis, and Riverside County Office of Economic Development
            • SILVER SPONSORS Pacific Premier Bank, Fifth Third Bank
            • JUDGING RECEPTION SPONSOR Roorda, Piquet & Bessee, Inc.
            • VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR - City National Bank, An RBC Company
            • PREVIEW RECEPTION SPONSOR - Bank of America
            • AFTER PARTY SPONSOR - Roark Financial
            • WINE & CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR - BBSI, Inc.
            ]]>