Modesto Chamber of Commerce presents member choice awards

MODESTO -- The Modesto Chamber of Commerce held its 99th annual Awards Gala on Saturday at the Gallo Center for the Arts. More than 500 people attended. The chamber honored the following businesses and members with 2012 Member Choice Awards:

• Vera Girolami Ambassador of the Year: Brad Blakeley, Wells Fargo Advisors

• Ted Shields Welcome Team Member of the Year: Lucy Castrejon, F&M Bank

• Nonprofit of the Year: Haven Women's Center of Stanislaus

• Small Business of the Year: Beckles Candies & Gifts

• Distinguished Service Award: Michael Moradian Jr., Peace of Mind Home Inspection Inc.

• Chamber Member of the Year: MedAmerica Billing Services Inc.

• Robert J. Cardoza Citizen of the Year Award: John and Mary Ann Sanders

Retiring board members Neal Khatri of the Best Western Townhouse Lodge and Sharon Likely of Kaiser Permanente also were recognized.