Ocean Beach MainStreet Association members, volunteers, and community representatives gathered at the Masonic Center on Jan. 26 to honor local businesses at OBMA’s annual awards celebration.
Celebrated were OBMA businesses that shined and exemplified the OB spirit throughout 2022.
OBMA committees, which include Clean & Safe, Design, Economic Vitality, and Promotion nominated businesses for each category. Although all businesses nominated by committees receive an award from OBMA, members and the community had the opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” in each category.
“We had a lot of community participation this year, which always makes it fun,” said Kristen Keltner, OBMA event and program manager. “Our theme this year is Ocean Beach where the Sun Sets in San Diego, so the awards celebration had a lot of bright colors to honor our local businesses who shined bright in 2022.”
People’s Choice Award recipients:
Clean & Safe Committee People’s Choice Award – Tony Cohen for supporting graffiti abatement in Ocean Beach.
Design Committee People’s Choice Award – OB Hardware for their updated storefront & branded window signage.
Economic Vitality Committee People’s Choice Award – OB Business Center for spearheading the revitalization of the OB Mall.
Promotion Committee People’s Choice Award – California Wild Ales for being one of the most active promoters in Ocean Beach.
The Green Flash Customer Service Award (a three-way tie this year) – The award goes to the business that the community and OBMA members felt best exemplified the spirit of OB and shined in 2022 by reflecting positive awareness, and activity in the community through their exceptional customer service: California Wild Ales, OB Business Center, and OB Hardware.
Other awards included:
Volunteers of the year: Craig Gerwig, Ken Moss, and Michele Amsterdam.
The Mike Hardin Like a Boss Award: Steve Rowell for contributing to Ocean Beach’s history through photography. Check out all the 50-plus award recipients at oceanbeachsandiego.com.
