Compiled by Kelly Brown
Dianna Munro, underwriting chair for the OC Baron’s Ball, presented Paul Folino with the Visionary Award from the American Cancer Society. Folino is chairman of Costa Mesa-based Emulex Corp. Folino and his wife Daranne supported the Hollywood-themed gala last year and are serving as honorary co-chairs of the ninth annual OC Barons’ Ball World Cruise-Passport to Life in Newport Beach. The ball benefits the American Cancer Society and will be held in October at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.
Rob Ukropina was named California Small-Business Person of the Year 2007 by the Santa Ana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Ukropina is founder and chief executive of Irvine-based Overnite Express Inc. He started the company in 1992.
Janet Cronick was selected 2007 Women in Business Champion of the Year by the Santa Ana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Cronick is president of Ultimate Gifts in Fountain Valley and serves as president of the National Latina Business Women Association of Orange County. She also participates in the OC Presidents Council and serves on the board of the Asian Business Association of OC. Additionally, Cronick sits on the advisory board of the OC Small Business Development Center.
Six partners from Rutan & Tucker LLP were selected by their peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2007. The partners and their legal specialties are Randall M. Babbush, real estate law; Thomas J. Crane, corporate law; Michael T. Hornak, commercial litigation; John B. Hurlbut Jr., commercial litigation; David C. Larsen, public law; and Paul F. Marx, trusts and estates.
Newport Beach’s McCarthy Building Cos. was named Best in Class in the Building Division during the national Associated General Contractors 2007 Willis/AGC Construction Safety Excellence Awards. The AGC Construction Safety Excellence Awards is a qualitative program that examines each company’s commitment to safety and occupational health management and risk control. McCarthy Building is OC’s second largest construction company, according to the Business Journal.
Jone L. Pearce was inducted as a fellow into the American Psychological Association. She is a professor of organization and strategy at the University of California, Irvine’s Merage School of Business and was recognized for her scholarly contributions in Industrial Organizational Society. Pearce is former dean of the Merage School. She has written two books and more than 80 articles in academic journals.
Robert Monroe and Irma Rodriguez of the California Pools Inc. North Orange office were honored as Superintendent of the Year and Office Coordinator of the Year, respectively. The Superintendent of the Year award is based on feedback forms completed by homeowners who had a pool installed by California Pools. Superintendents oversee every phase of every job. Office Coordinator of the Year commends California Pools employees who exhibit extraordinary dedication to customer service and administrative duties in an office role.
Court Appointed Special Advocates named Evelyn Gibson Advocate of the Year. Gibson has been a mentor and advocate with the OC group, known as Casa, since 1989 and has served more than 30 abused children. Gibson is vice president of communications for Irvine-based Ambassador Advertising Agency. The award recognizes individuals whose dedication to abused children is inspirational.
Sondra Ames was named 2007 Maternal Outreach Management System Business Mother of the Year. Ames and her daughter Allyson own and operate Wonderland Bakery in Newport Beach. The United Way nominated Ames for the award, which recognizes Ames’ extensive involvement in philanthropic organizations and her experience as a business leader, mentor and role model. Ames is a founding member of the Women’s Philanthropy Fund of the United Way of OC.
Westamerica Graphics Corp. in Foothill Ranch had 14 entries recognized for outstanding quality at the Printing Industries Association of Southern California. The annual competition recognizes the finest work produced by printers and designers in Southern California. Westamerica received six Best of Category Awards, three Award of Excellence honors and five Certificates of Merit. Westamerica also has received three Benny Awards, the top national award presented in the printing industry.
