When Sami Jack retired in September 2013, she turned her jewelry and gift store business over to her daughter, Stephenie Bjorkman.

Her intention was to broaden the hometown market base and create special events such as the vow renewal ceremony, “Love in the Hills,” and Halloween in the Hills with its people and pet costume parades.

The Chamber of Commerce selected Bjorkman the 2019 “Business Person of the Year” at the annual recognition dinner April 26 in the Community Center.

Last year’s Business Person of the Year, Jay Schlum, presented the final award of the evening to Bjorkman. About 185 attended the black and white-themed event.

Bjorkman credited her mother for “making me the woman I am today.” Bjorkman delivered the message via social media to her mother, who was not present.

“You’re my hero. I hope to be as tough and awesome as you are someday,” she said.

Bjorkman praised her “Team Sami” staff for exceeding customers’ expectations of service.

“We can do all the marketing in the world that we want but, if you don’t pull off what you’re advertising, you’re not successful,” said Bjorkman.

At the start of the awards presentations, Chamber CEO/president Scott Soldat-Valenzuela surprised events producer Sharon Morgan with an award for 30 years of accomplishments.

He said Morgan has shaped the community into what it is today through her involvement as a Chamber volunteer and employee, member of various commissions and former mayor.

“I love this town. Oh, the stories I could tell,” she said, adding that they will “go with me some day.”

“I think 50 years would be a stretch. Let’s go for 40.”

Mayor Ginny Dickey selected Toll Brothers for the Mayor’s Award for investing in the town. Toll Brothers is developing Adero Canyon and The Overlook at FireRock.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Mike Jones whose main business is Discount Air Care, a heating and air conditioning company. He also is part owner in Food 4 the Soul restaurant and a detail shop.

A new award, Young Professional of the Year, was presented to Brent Cruikshank who took on the role of publisher of The Fountain Hills Times from his father, Alan.

The chamber has been attempting to engage younger employees and company owners in the last year to demonstrate that the town is not a retirement community.

Non-profit of the Year honors went to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale for providing quality after-school programs. In 2018, the local Mary Ellen and Robert McKee branch provided more than $40,000 in program assistance to low income families and regularly offers free programming to any child in foster care or with an active military parent.

The club served nearly 600 members and 450 non-members through community outreach events.

Other award honorees:

*Teacher of the Year, Lynn Truby, Fountain Hills High School music department.

*Health Service Award, Dr. Norma Ford, The Healing Space.

*Customer Service of the Year, Natalie Hogeboom, Mary Kay independent beauty consultant.

*Community Volunteer of the Year, Bill Beemish.

*Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Estelle Mackey.

*Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Maureen and Jim Theiring.

*Tourism Award, Four Peaks Amethyst Mine.

*Best Dressed in Black and White outfits, Darline Leader and Boe James.