Each year the Tustin Chamber of Commerce recognizes Tustin area businesses through our annual Business of the Year awards.   The recipients were announced at the June 23rd Chamber Gala/Installation of Officers held at Tustin Ranch Golf Club.  They are Whole Foods Market/Large Business Category, Studio 17, Inc./Small Business Category, and Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center/Business Rookie of the Year Category.

Since they started a region-wide recycling and composting program in July 2003, they have reduced their trash by 76%—annually eliminating 196 tons going to the landfill.  Five percent of the store’s profits per year are given to local charities.  Whole Foods is also a sponsor of the Dino Dash, Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts, Tustin Chili Cook-off and many local civic groups, PTAs and schools.

Studio 17 was established in July 1999 and continually strives to provide the highest quality service to its clients.  As important is educating the staff through industry trade shows, independent hair shows and individual hands-on education. 

Member of the Tustin Chamber, Studio 17 donates countless hours and services for the National Charity League/Tustin Chapter, local school charity functions, Maternal Outreach Management Systems, St. Joseph’s Cancer Luncheon, Blind Children’s Learning Center, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Swim for Life Foundation.

The company’s community involvement includes membership in the Tustin Chamber, Business Network International, National Association of Women Business Owners, Make-a-Wish Foundation, as well as partnering with local schools and charitable organizations for their donation needs for fundraising endeavors. 

1. Balboa Instruments has been in business for 28 years and has made Tustin their home since 2000.  A member of the Tustin Chamber, Balboa Instruments is the world’s largest supplier of electronic controls for spas and portable hot tubs.  With 314 regular employees and 100 temporary employees, Balboa Instruments has an Employee of the Month Program, Employee Commute Reduction Program and was the second place winner in the 2005 Orange County Rideshare Week.  All employees donate toys and food during the holidays to the Orange County Rescue Mission.  Balboa Instruments supports education by providing several scholarships at CSUF, internships for engineering students from UCI and offers internal financial support program for employees pursuing continued education. 

2. Doctor’s Ambulance Services has been serving the Tustin community since 1974.  They provide the highest level of care and transportation needs, including providing basic life support transport, Neonatal transport, specialty care transport and 9-1-1 emergency transportation.  They provide free blood pressure screenings, CPR and first aid classes at the Senior Center.  A Tustin Chamber member, Doctor’s Ambulance has sponsored the Dinosaur Dash, El Camino Street Faire & Chili Cookoff, Every 15 Minutes Program, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Santa Cop Night Casino, Tustin Chamber’s Business Expo and Golf Tournament, Tustin Community Foundation Golf Tournament, Tustin Police Officers Association, Tustin Tiller Days and Veterans Day Parade. 

3. Federal Disposal Service has been in business in Tustin since 1987.  Member of the Tustin Chamber, Federal Disposal has provided solid waste management services to the City of Tustin since 2000.  It serves over 71,000 residents and 1,000 businesses, performs over 8,000 pickups per day and hauls over 10,000 tons of material on peak work days.  The success of its recycling programs has significantly increased Tustin’s total “hauler” diversion rate from 4% in 2000 to today’s rate of 35%.  The company owns, maintains and operates one of the largest fleets of construction and demolition trucks in southern California.  Federal Disposal Service sponsors many Tustin events and non-profit organizations. 

4. Union Bank is one of the 25 largest banks in the United States.  The bank has 315 banking offices throughout California, three in Washington and one in Oregon.  As the bank enters a new phase of its community reinvestment program, it rededicates itself to advance the goals of nourishing all under-resourced neighborhoods, building safer environments and a healthier future for all. Union Bank’s People Applauding Life and Service Program (PALS) for employees encourages volunteerism in numerous civic, community and charitable organizations.  Last year, more than 900 employees gave more than 3700 hours of community service.  Projects included Habitat for Humanity and walks and runs benefiting non-profit organizations. 

5. Whole Foods Market has been in business in Tustin since 1995 and a Tustin Chamber member for just as long.  Providing healthy gourmet food with excellent customer service, their customers depend on them to know the latest issues regarding food, the environment and providing quality and healthy food.  Since they started a region-wide recycling and composting program in July 2003, they have reduced their trash by 76%--annually eliminating 196 tons going to the landfill.  Five percent of the store’s profits per year are given to local charities.  Whole Foods is also a sponsor of the Dino Dash, Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts, Tustin Chili Cookoff and many local civic groups, PTAs and schools.

1. Curves opened its physical fitness center in Tustin in 2004 and provides affordable exercise, nutritional information and weight management counseling for women.  Curves’ mission is to enhance and improve the health of women to actively participate in creating and maintaining wellness via proper fitness and nutrition.  Community participation include sponsoring efforts to aid in the research and treatment of breast cancer, gathering donations for Second Harvest participation in a fashion show for senior citizens. 

2. Studio 17 was established in July 1999 and continually strives to provide the highest quality service to its clients.  As important is educating the staff through industry trade shows, independent hair shows and individual hands-on education.  Member of the Tustin Chamber, Studio 17 donates numerous time and services for the National Charity League/Tustin Chapter, local school charity functions, Maternal Outreach Management Systems, St. Joseph’s Cancer Luncheon, Blind Children’s Learning Center, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Swim for Life Foundation. 

1. Anthony B. Salon Spa & Luxury Tanning is a full service salon and spa with tanning and a boutique.  Long-time residents of Tustin, Anthony B. opened its doors in November 2005 and became active in the community at the same time.  They are members of the Tustin Chamber and have sponsored and/or participated in the Tustin Chamber’s Tiller Days Float, Assistance League of Tustin’s Golf Tournament, City of Tustin Easter Egg Hunt and the Chili Cookoff. 

2. Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center opened their business in Tustin in May 2005 and is committed to providing the best quality of care in the most secure environment.  Its mission is for overall body and mind synchronization.  The company’s community involvement includes membership to the Tustin Chamber, Business Network International, National Association of Women Business Owners, Make-a-Wish Foundation, as well as partnering with local schools and charitable organizations for their donation needs for fundraising endeavors. 

3. Fresca’s Mexican Grill is a new Mexican restaurant offering quality fresh food at affordable prices, casual restaurant dining, take-out, and catering service.  Fresca’s is a member of the Tustin Chamber of Commerce and RBN Network.  Although new to the community, Fresca’s is committed to Tustin and was a food sponsor at the Tustin Chamber’s Business Expo.  They have also supported various local schools and donated funds and gift certificates to toward their causes.  They also do in-store fundraising for local schools and churches.   

4. James Kanan Designs is located in Old Town Tustin has been in business since May 2005.  A full service jeweler, James Kanan Designs specializes in custom designed jewelry, as well as repair and restoration.  The owner prides himself in providing personalized and hand-on approach with his clients.  He gives honest, professional advice regarding the needs of his clients, and his sculpture enhances his clients’ home or business.  James Kanan Designs is a member of the Tustin Chamber of Commerce and Tustin Old Town Association. 

5. Liberty Tax provides tax preparation services.  Their decision to open their business in Tustin was because they already “live and shop” in Tustin.  Their first decision to be involved in the community was to join the Tustin Chamber of Commerce.  Liberty Tax then partnered with many schools in the area to collect over 1,500 cell phones this tax season.  The cell phones collected were sold to recyclers to raise money for “Cell Phones for Soldiers.”  Their next charity project is to make calling cards available to our soldiers stationed overseas. 

6. Makena’s Home Makeover are general contractors that specializes in kitchen remodels, window replacements and custom interior and exterior painting.  A new business in Tustin, it is the company’s policy to have management and employees involved and active in the community.  They are members of the Tustin Chamber of Commerce and sponsors of the Campus Crusade for Christ, Saddleback Church, American Red Cross, Crescent Baptist Church World Vision Adoption and Student Apprentice Programs for Career Building at San Diego State. 

7. Orange County Mission Chiropractic recently opened its clinic in Tustin and is fully equipped with computerized spinal scan and adjustment for those who are afraid of chiropractic manipulation.  Once established, Orange County Mission Chiropractic joined the Tustin Chamber and participated in last year’s golf tournament.  The company also participated in the Senior Center Health and Wellness Fair last February and was a participant at the Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cookoff. 

8. Trader Joe’s opened the Tustin store in November 2005.  As a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores, Trader Joe’s is dedicated to providing quality products at outstanding prices and excellent customer service.  They are committed to making every customer’s shopping experience rewarding, eventful and fun.  Community participation included its membership to the Tustin Chamber of Commerce and a store representative serving as Principal for a Day at a local elementary school.