Three Top Loma Linda Businesses Honored

Loma Linda's Napoli Italian Restaurant, Chase Bank and Sharon Beth Photography were recognized as leaders in their community by State Sen. Mike Morrell Nov. 21 at the University of Redlands during the 4th Annual Top Chamber Business Awards. All members of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce, the companies were three of 50 total recognized last week at the annual event throughout California's 23rd Senate District. The event started four years ago when Morrell was the California State Assembly, District 40 representative and Morrell and his office wanted to recognize the contributions of local businesses. "I was in business all of my adult life, so it's always good to be amongst our own and have people that actually make this state thrive," Morrell said in his welcome speech, where he gave a brief background of business taxes and job creation in the state. "Business owners are the ones that make the economy go, and we have to expand business so we can hire people and we are committed to that. This is one of things we do to get this on the radar and promote business." After an invocation was given by Lynne Kennedy, Rancho Cucamonga councilwoman-elect, and the Pledge of Allegiance was given by Menifee City Mayor Scott Mann, guests mingled with Sen. Morrell and enjoyed a catered lunch. Loma Linda Chamber's Operations Manager Stephanie Mahe introduced the three business nominees while Loma Linda City Councilman Ovidiu Popescu was also present on stage to honor the nominees. Santokh Bhatti received the award for Napoli's Italian Restaurant. The restaurant has provided an authentic Italian dining experience to Inland Empire diners and beyond since 1994. "He's been part of our chamber for such a long time and is very involved in our community, as well as volunteering and sponsoring for our chamber events," Mahe said of Bhatti. Miki Ayala, branch manager, accepted the award for Chase Bank, which opened its Loma Linda location earlier this year. "Chase Bank is one of our new members...and has brought so many new jobs in the community and has definitely volunteered their time, just recently with one of our community events, our parade, and what I really admire about her is her involvement," Mahe said. The third nominee from Loma Linda was Sharon Beth Photography, with Sharon Beth accepting the award. "What's nice about Sharon is she's always involved in our events," Mahe told the crowd. "She has amazing photos and just spends endless hours and dedication to make sure that all of her pictures come out great." Sharon Beth Skonetski is a longtime photographer specializing in natural light photography and also enjoys landscape, portrait, real estate and architectural photography. The Loma Linda Chamber named Napoli's Italian Restaurant its Top Business of 2014.