Business Star Awards by Chamber of Commerce

The Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced the winners of their quarterly Business Star Awards. The businesses and individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the quality of life for Santa Barbara.

– Business Woman. Vanessa Patterson, founder, Monarch Wealth Strategies. This award is made to a chamber businesswoman, who through her actions is role model for the local community. Past winners have included: Renee Grubb, Karen Chackel, and Julie McGovern. Vanessa Patterson has recently aligned her passion with her profession and has joined the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College as Director of Finance & Administration. Vanessa is proud to be a Founder of Monarch Wealth Strategies, and currently serves as Chair of the Board. She is a graduate of UCSB and the International Institute for the Sociology of Law, and holds numerous certifications in financial management. She volunteers both time and money in support of a myriad of community causes. She sits as a Trustee for the Santa Barbara County Retirement Board and also as Treasurer for the State Association of County Retirement Systems. She is a classically trained violinist and performs at many local non-profit events. Vanessa had the courage to start a new financial services firm in the worst of economic times. We salute her spirit.

– Innovator. William Rauth and Lynn Reitnouer, Co-chairs for UCSB Endowment Campaign. This award is traditionally presented to an individual who has made a significant innovative contribution to positively impacting our world. Past winners include university chancellors, Nobel laureates, architects, researchers and inventors. This quarter’s Innovation award is presented to two UCSB alumni, William Rauth and Lynn Reitnouer. Bill and Lynn volunteered to chair the inaugural endowment campaign. Under their leadership, the campaign has raised more than $590 million. These privately raised funds will ensure UCSB’s excellence for future generations.

– Community Collaboration. The Bank of Santa Barbara, Eloy Ortega, CEO. This award is made to a chamber business making a significant contribution to the quality of life and economic vitality of the Region. Past winners have been: Montecito Bank and Trust, Venoco and 50 others. The Bank, it’s owners, board members and employees have exhibited the highest level of community involvement and philanthropy. The Ortegas, Orfaleas, Parkers, and Marquezes have made significant contributions to our community’s major institutions and non-profits. Their leadership crosses all levels of business and non-profit work.

– Businessman. Paul Jaconette, Executive Vice President, CAO Sansum Clinic. This award is made to a chamber businessman, who through his actions is a role model for the local community. Past winners have been: Ed Heron, John Indrieri, Michael Towbes and 50 others. Mr. Jaconette joined Sansum Clinic in 1993 as Vice President of Managed Care and Operations. Previously, he was Assistant Medical Group Administrator at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara, California. Paul earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Santa Barbara and a Master of Health Care Administration degree from Yale University. He is a board member of both the Goleta and Santa Barbara chambers of commerce and is a Business Leaders Council member. He is a Rotarian and has served on many local non-profit boards. Paul has always been ready to help with community emergencies and projects.

nativeanta Barbara, California. While growing up Keith attended Franklin School, Santa Barbara Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School, graduating in the class of 195eitheith C. Berry is a native of Santa Barbara, California. While growing up Keith attended Franklin School, Santa Barbara Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School, graduating in the class of 1957eith C. Berry is a native of Santa Barbara, California. While growing up Keith attended Franklin School, Santa Barbara Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School, graduating in the class of 1957