Chamber Honors Local Achievers

Well-known citizens Carl Karcher, James Ruth, Jack Lindquist and Linda Newby were among city leaders, business owners, police officers and firefighters recognized Friday night by the Chamber of Commerce.

More than 250 people gathered to honor local achievers at the second annual event, held at the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

“It’s our opportunity to help establish some benchmarks for success that other businesspeople and businesses can hold themselves against,” said Susan Klaren, the chamber’s executive vice president. “The awards we give out to police and fire are our chance as a business community to say ‘thank you’ for keeping our businesses safe.”

Sharing the Lifetime Achievement Award were Karcher, founder of Anaheim-based Carl’s Jr. restaurants, and Lindquist, former Disneyland president and creator of the new Tinseltown Studios under construction next to the stadium.

Ruth, who has held the city’s top administrative post since 1990, was honored as Man of the Year. Linda Newby, owner of Gallery Travel and an active chamber member, was Woman of the Year.

Boeing Co. was named Large Business of the Year; the Small Business of the Year award was shared by Torrez Trucking Inc., a 16-year-old company specializing in move management and office relocation services, and Visser’s Florist and Greenhouses Inc., established in 1956.

Phil Vargas, who began his career as an Anaheim police officer in December 1995, was saluted as Rookie of the Year. For his community policing efforts, veteran officer Pete Wann Sr. also was recognized.

Fire Service Rookie of the Year is Tariq Ahmad, who joined the Fire Department in 1995. The Community Fire Service award went to Jean Ferrell, who coordinated setting up the North Net Communications Center, which dispatches fire and medical services for several cities.