Local business leaders honored for making a difference in the community

Coachella Valley’s business leaders who are making a difference in the community were celebrated tonight at the 4th Annual SBEMP Business Awards.

The program created by SBEMP, the area’s largest law firm, recognizes people in the Coachella Valley who are developing innovative and creative business ideas. Many are adding to the diversity of the valley’s economic base and the hope is to inspire others to do the same.

“The reality of life is there are great people on the ground every day holding this earth together. So, what an award represents is someone who is helping facilitate that kind of good leadership on many levels,” Sheila Thornton, President and CEO of One Future Coachella Valley.

Thornton was among those honored at tonight’s event, receiving the impact award. Gerry and Casey Washack of “Fit In 42” and “Next Level Fitness,” received the leadership award. Vincent Battaglia from “Renova Energy” won the environmental award.

CBS Local 2 evening anchor Brooke Beare hosted the awards show.