It was a dual honor at the annual Napa Chamber Ambassador holiday luncheon this week when both Georgia Baughman and Sue Griffiths were named 2009 Ambassador of the Year. “I think they are the most marvelous choice for Ambassador(s) of the Year!” says Steve Reinbolt, Chairman of the Ambassadors. “They have advanced our activities, our planning and record keeping into the current century! They are wonderful!”

“Georgia and Sue have done a tremendous job representing the Napa Chamber of Commerce,” says Lisa Batto, President and CEO of the Napa Chamber. “They have worked very hard to bring business people together, organizing Ambassador activities and providing information to the community about the Napa Chamber. I’m proud that both were chosen as the Ambassador of the Year.”

Georgia Baughman has been a Napa Chamber of Commerce Ambassador for three years and has enjoyed her first year as Co-Captain with Sue Griffiths. “This year has been very busy with visits, ribbon cuttings and working Napa Chamber events and mixers,” says Baughman.

Baughman is the Branch Manager of Golden 1 Credit Union Napa Office. “I owe my ability to attend the functions to my staff Peggy, Javier, Elizabeth and Victor. They hold down the fort, so to speak, while I am visiting with the Ambassadors. Golden 1 is a long time member of the Napa Chamber of Commerce and I am pleased that they allow me time to participate. I’ve been actively involved since 1995 when I served as Chair of Chamber Connection and then many other board positions with Connection,” says Baughman. Most recently, she has been the Chair of the Napa Chamber Membership Services Committee.

When asked what she likes the most about being a Chamber Ambassador, Baughman states “I love working with the Napa Chamber and the Ambassadors. I get to meet wonderful people that make up our diverse community. I get to celebrate their accomplishments at ribbon cuttings and visits.”

Baughman was very surprised to be named Ambassador of the Year. “We have so many deserving Ambassadors. It makes me quite proud to be part of such a remarkable organization. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my staff, Co-Captain Sue Griffiths, and all the wonderful Ambassadors that have guided me,” she says.

Sue Griffiths has been a member of the Napa Chamber for over twenty years. She started out as a member of the Women’s Division of the Chamber, which later became the Chamber Connection, serving as the Chairperson, and then became an Ambassador. She has been the treasurer of the Ambassadors since 2006, along with being a Co-Captain this year.

“The Ambassadors perform a valuable community service,” states Griffiths. “They provide support and encouragement to businesses and professional services providers. Our visits and ribbon-cuttings enable the businesses to showcase their products and services to our members, who in turn spread the information throughout the community.”

Upon the announcement, Griffiths said, “It is an unexpected honor to be chosen as Ambassador of the Year along with Georgia Baughman. I have enjoyed working with Georgia as Co-Captain of the Ambassadors this year, and look forward to working with her next year.” Griffiths has worked as a substitute teacher for the Napa Valley Unified School District for sixteen years and also teaches in the Napa Valley Adult School program.

The Napa Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are commissioned to create good will and understanding among members of the Chamber and business community. This mission is carried out in a variety of ways.

Along with ribbon cuttings Ambassadors also:

• Participate in Chamber Mixers and other designated events

• Visit local member businesses for orientations on their operations.

• Attend Ambassador meetings and activities

It’s not particularly difficult to distinguish an Ambassador from other Chamber members. They are likely to be in their “uniform” – consisting of a maroon jacket bearing the Ambassador emblem.

The Ambassador of the Year award will be presented at the Chamber’s annual dinner on January 22, 2010, at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. The honor is presented as a memorial tribute to Gene Cufaude, who was an original member of the organization and played a major role in its activities.

For more information about the Chamber Ambassador program, please click here.

For reservations to attend the Napa Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, please click here.