Citizens Celebrated At 60th Annual Temecula Valley Chamber Of Commerce Awards Gala

TEMECULA, CA — The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its 60th Annual Awards Gala, held March 28 at Pechanga Resort Casino. Over 600 attendees gathered for an evening that included dinner, a silent auction, an awards presentation and an after-party.

The event recognized businesses, organizations and citizens from across the region, with Melody Brunsting receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Gillian Larson named Citizen of the Year.

Other 2026 honorees included Vivians.io, Bronze Business of the Year; Elite Tax Partners, Sterling Business of the Year; The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Temecula Operations, Platinum Business of the Year; Rotary Club of Temecula, Ruby Organization of the Year; Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, Emerald Organization of the Year; Bhavani Vajrakarur Samlall of Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation, Valley Young Professional of the Year; Derick Brazell of Deja Automotive LLC dba Agape Auto Repair, Ambassador of the Year; Dave Lester of Abbott, Chairman’s Choice Award; and Andrew Masiel Sr. of Pechanga Development Corporation, The Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year.

The gala was sponsored by title sponsor Abbott, premier sponsor Pechanga Resort & Casino and diamond sponsor The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Temecula Operations.

"Brunsting was recognized for more than three decades of service, leadership and creative vision tied to the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and the broader region.

According to the Chamber, Brunsting played a central role in long-term planning efforts, including development of the Chamber’s permanent headquarters, helped boost Temecula’s regional visibility, supported the early formation of the Visitors Bureau now known as Visit Temecula Valley, and shaped numerous signature events through Melody’s Ad Works, Inc., including the Street Painting Festival, Hot Summer Nights, the Bluegrass Festival and the New Year’s Eve Grape Drop," according to the recent news release.

Larson, named Citizen of the Year, was honored for her fundraising and nonprofit work, including founding Reality Rally, a 501(c)(3) fundraising event benefiting Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center.

"A registered nurse for 41 years, Larson later gained national attention as a contestant on 'Survivor,' which the Chamber said became a platform that helped her expand her volunteer and fundraising efforts. She has delivered more than 400 presentations to schools, service groups, nonprofit organizations and corporations," the release said.

Among the business honorees, Vivians.io was recognized for helping small-to-medium businesses and other organizations harness AI, CRM and automation. Elite Tax Partners was honored for its proactive, relationship-driven approach to accounting and tax strategy and its community involvement through financial support, volunteer service and nonprofit leadership.

Scotts Temecula was recognized for its 25-year presence in Temecula and its work in manufacturing, design, engineering, tooling and advanced injection molding, along with its GroMoreGood mission.

Among the organization honorees, Rotary Club of Temecula was recognized for its longstanding service focus across club, community, international, youth and vocational service. Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center was honored for providing no-cost cancer resources, educational programs, mental health support, wellness services and practical assistance to about 4,000 cancer patients each year across Riverside, San Bernardino, North San Diego County and surrounding areas.

"The Chamber also recognized Samlall for her leadership in marketing and community service, including serving as 2026 chair of Valley Young Professionals and on the City of Temecula’s General Plan Advisory Committee; Brazell for helping lead Agape Auto Repair with a focus on transparency, education and customer trust; Lester for his leadership at Abbott and service on local boards; and Masiel for overseeing economic development initiatives for the Pechanga Band of Indians and helping lead major tourism and development projects in the region."