Chamber Honors Business Person of the Year

The celebrated its awardees, new officers and new board members at their  on Thursday night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Outgoing chamber board member Preeti Suri was recognized as the 2011 Business Person of the Year for her volunteerism. She has served as the chair of the chamber's , as well as been involved with community events such as the Milpitas Parks and Recreation Foundation's . 

She was introduced by Milpitas Post Editor Rob Devincenzi, who was awarded the title last year. Suri's husband Raj and daughters Nihchal and Armita were there to support her. The family owns three s in Milpitas.

The 2011 Corporation of the Year Award was given to . Branch Manager Tiffany Teh accepted the award on the company's behalf.

The 2011 Ambassador of the Year awardee, Virgil Romeroso, was in Europe with his wife June to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. He sent a video that was played on stage.

New officers include branch manager of the  in Milpitas, Richard Li, who will take on the role of president of the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce for 2011-12.

Li said he will carry out the  approved by the city council on Tuesday. The plan, created under the direction of outgoing President Robert Paedon and Chamber CEO Carol Kassab, seeks to outreach to companies with 20 to 99 employees. Another one of his major goals is to bring investors together to build a Milpitas Conference Center, he said.

While Li has been on the board of directors, the chamber welcomed a few new faces. Each year, the 15-member board turns over by a third. The new term welcomes:

• Cristina Robles, Director of Marketing and Business Development, 
• Robert Mack, Director of Business Development, 

• Persis McGinn, LEED® Accredited Professional, WG Construction 

• Amir Yazdi, Sales Consultant, Paychex

• Stuart Roberson (returning for another term)
  President and CEO, Store Inside, indoor car, boat and RV storage

Carol Kassab said that 12 of the 15 full term board seats are filled, leaving three openings. "The new president also has the option to appoint three additional associate directors with one-year terms," she said.

The officers and remaining board members for the 2011-12 term are:

• President Richard Li, East West Bank

• CFO Thomas Valore, LPL Financial Services

• VP of Membership, Karen Hahn, Karen A. Hahn, CPA, CVA

• VP of Programs, Robert Mack, Extron                                 

• Director Susan Lewis, One Target Marketing
• Director Michelle Yu, private practice attorney 
• Director Gary Wong,  ArchespaceGWSC 

Mayor Jose Esteves and Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski's Senior Field Representative Andrae Macapinlac were on hand to present their recognitions and proclamations. Rep. Mike Honda and Supervisor Dave Cortese sent their recognitions ahead to be presented as well.

Also present were: Councilmember Debbie Giordano, Milpitas Planning Commissioner Noella Tabladillo, School Board Vice President Daniel Bobay, Great Mall General Manager Gayle Speare, Milpitas Economic Development Manager Diana Barnhart and San Jose Councilmember Kansen Chu and his wife Daisy.