The Lodi Chamber of Commerce is promising an evening of modern elegance and high-energy celebration next month as it honors local businesses, ambassadors and individuals at its annual dinner and awards night.
The chamber’s annual gala will be held at Hutchins Street Square, 125 S. Hutchins St., on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
This year’s event, the chamber said, is inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Oscars and will give recognition to some of Lodi’s favorite community leaders.
Some 300 people are expected to attend the gala, which will include awards for Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Agri-business Person of the Year, Person of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Change Maker of the Year.
The Business of the Year award will be given to Corto Olive Oil, which the chamber said has set the standard for freshness and quality in the olive oil industry worldwide as the only American producer to make the global top 100 list.
“Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and family values shines through in everything they do, from their state-of-the-art mill to their dedication to bringing chefs and consumers the freshest extra virgin olive oil possible,” the chamber said. “We’re proud to celebrate a business that continues to put Lodi on the map through passion, craftsmanship, and community spirit.”
Guantonio’s will be recognized as Small Business of the Year, as the chamber said the restaurant, known for its fresh take on traditional pizza and deep connection to local agriculture, “embodies what it means to be rooted in community.”
“With three generations working side by side, they’ve turned their passion for food into a gathering place where Lodi’s flavors truly shine,” the chamber said. “Their dedication to celebrating Lodi’s local flavor from farm to table makes them a shining example of small business excellence.”
Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, will be honored as Agribusiness Person of the Year.
The chamber said her advocacy for the state’s winegrape industry is rooted in dedication, innovation, and a genuine passion for growers.
In addition, her ability to champion the needs of growers while fostering collaboration and future-focused solutions has strengthened the industry statewide and inspired the Lodi community.
Collins said she was honored to be recognized by the chamber and humbled to be considered among other agricultural leaders, as well as her mentors.
“Lodi is where I grew up, where my roots are, and where I’ve chosen to raise my family,” she said. “Now, serving as president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, I’ve had a front-row seat to the resilience and leadership of Lodi’s growers, and I’m proud to advocate for them in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Their commitment to quality, community, and innovation is the foundation of our region’s success. This acknowledgment from a community I care so deeply about is incredibly meaningful, and it only strengthens my commitment to serving Lodi’s growers and giving back to the place that has shaped my life.”
The Change Maker of the Year Award will be given to Love Lodi and organizers Timothy and Tara Stewart.
Love Lodi began in April of 2014 when Capt. Martin Ross from the Salvation Army more than 100 volunteers undertook a variety of community service projects such as cleaning up schools and repairing front porches.
Every year since that time, volunteers spent the last Saturday in April donating clothes to nonprofits, delivering meals to homebound seniors and clearing Lodi Lake of debris.
The Stewarts took over as chair persons in 2023, and began implementing year-round volunteer opportunities such as beautification efforts at Lawrence Elementary and Lodi Middle schools in the fall, as well as hosting a backpack drive at Blakely and Hale parks during National Night Out in August.
“What began as a city-wide volunteer day has grown into a powerful movement that inspires kindness, connection, and pride throughout our community all year long,” the chamber said. “From supporting Lodi schools with shirts, landscaping, and backpacks to organizing the clean-up of the historic Grape Bowl, Love Lodi continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of our residents.”
Lori Arena, owner of Resin in Motion, has been named the chamber’s Ambassador of the Year for her commitment to connecting local businesses with Lodi residents.
“If you’ve been to a chamber event, it’s very likely you’ve met Lori,” the chamber said. “She is a powerhouse of support for our business community and we love the positivity she brings to everything she does. We are so grateful for her dedication to supporting Lodi businesses as one of our Lodi Chamber Ambassadors and we’re honored to have her as our 2025 Ambassador of the Year.”
Dr. Edmund Freund, a physician at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial Hospital, will be honored as the chamber’s Person of the Year.
Freund is an emergency medicine physician at the hospital, and has more than 20 years experience in the medical field. He received his medical degree from University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine in Iowa and has expertise in treating obesity, hypertension, high blood pressure and diabetes, among other conditions.
Tickets for the chamber’s 2025 gala are $175 for members, $200 for non-members, and
The Leadership Lodi Class of 2025 will also be graduating and will share the outcome of its successful community project for YMO at the event.
Dining and Cooking