Cindy Biesemeyer will be recognized as the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau’s Ambassador of the Year Jan. 24 as part of its annual awards.
The Ambassador of the Year is selected by past recipients of the award, according to Juli Vieira, the president/CEO of the Chamber. The selection committee takes into consideration the time and community service the honoree has given to the Chamber as well as the general community.
“Cindy has been a strong advocate for the Chamber Ambassador Program for many years,” Vieira said in an email, noting that Biesemeyer volunteered to attend ribbon cuttings, helped at Business After Hours events and was always willing to help at events. “The Ambassador Program is the volunteer working arm of the Chamber. They help plan and work every event the Chamber puts on for the community.”
Biesemeyer said she has been involved in the Ambassador Program since at least 2000, starting as a charter member. She learned she would be honored as the 2015 Ambassador of the Year at an annual Christmas Dinner in December. She said Vieira built up the introduction, but when Vieira said the woman selected this year had been her son’s Cub Scout leader, Biesemeyer knew she had been selected.
“I was very surprised and excited,” Biesemeyer said, via email. “Unbelievable would describe my reaction. I am in such company with great people who have held the title before me.”
As an Ambassador, Biesemeyer said she has helped greet business members who attend the Business After Hours mixers, helping with raffle tickets and bringing prizes. She also helped to coordinate grand openings with ribbon cuttings for new businesses.
“My favorite activity was ‘poshing’ the entire group when it was my turn to serve lunch,” she said of the monthly luncheon meetings the ambassadors host that offer time to discuss their businesses. “My business is Perfectly Posh skincare products and each member received a special treat packet and an opportunity to try some of our pampering products.”
She said she also enjoyed working the parade routes as a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce. Ever the ambassador, Biesemeyer said she would encourage any member of the Chamber of Commerce to join the ambassador lunch that is hosted at the Chamber office on the first Tuesday of every month.
“There are some friendly, fun people just waiting to make your acquaintance,” she said. “Sharing your business or nonprofit group with others is the best way to network.”
In addition to her work with the Chamber, Biesemeyer has been active in the community with the Hollister Moms’ Club, Cub Scouts and the Women’s Club.
“It is wonderful to be recognized for the service and brings to mind all the others who are actively giving their time in the community, not to be recognized, but because it is their passion,” she said.
David Huboi and Gayle Sleznick are also being honored at the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau’s awards ceremony as the Man of the Year and Woman of the Year, along with eight businesses and nonprofits.
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau will be hosting “The Stars of San Benito County” annual awards dinner Jan. 24, from 6-11 p.m. at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. Tickets are available by calling 831-637-5315.