City's top businesses, workers honored by Modesto chamber

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce honored a host of Modesto businesses at its annual awards dinner Friday night at Modesto Centre Plaza.

Norm Porges of Prime Shine Express Car Wash won the Robert J. Cardoza award, and the chamber inducted the California State Automobile Association into its hall of fame.

Sierra Vista Child & Family Services was honored as the Nonprofit of the Year, and Dittos was honored as the Chamber Member of the Year.

The Small Business of the Year was Ward Promotional Marketing Solutions Inc., and Rodney Owen of Modesto City Schools received the Distinguished Service Award.

The Stanislaus County Office of Education's Leadership Academy received the award for Excellence in Education. Doug Johnson of Reach Business Solutions was honored as the Ambassador of the Year and the Welcome Team Member of the Year.

The chamber also honored retiring board members Anthony Diaz of Anthony Diaz Insurance Services, Vito Chiesa of Chiesa Ranch, Tracey Kerr of MOCSE Credit Union, Rob Ellett of PMZ Real Estate and Darla Ruiz of The Modesto Bee.

The awards dinner was the chamber's 95th, and included live entertainment and dancing along with award presentations.