Los Gatos Chamber Names Susan Stevens as Volunteer of the Year

The has given Visitors Bureau chairwoman Susan Stevens its 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award.

Stevens' award is part of three honors the chamber presents in the summer to outstanding business professionals in Los Gatos who are then recognized with a special dinner at . This year's celebration will take place July 19.

"I'm very excited and it was unexpected," Stevens said about the recognition. "It's an honor to be recognized by my peers. We work really hard."

As the leader of the Los Gatos Visitors Bureau, Stevens, 53, helps organize several events for the chamber such as the girls' night out activities, an annual photo contest and the

Stevens said she worked in town for about eight years and has served on the chamber's board of directors for many years. "I just like volunteering and doing things. I like serving the community."

Stevens said she first became acquainted with the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and joined its board of directors in 2005. At the time she was working for

Married with three daughters, Stevens lives in San Jose, but enjoys traveling, collecting wines. She also served as president of the chamber. "I'm active within this organization because I like to be involved with the town's businesses," she said.

Other honorees include D. Michael Kane who has received the chamber's Business Person of the Year Award and , which has earned the chamber's Business of the Year Award. Also being honored this year is Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronee Nassi for her 10 years of service to the organization.

Los Gatos Patch will profile each this week.

“Our annual awards program is an opportune time to recognize the integral role that the business community plays in the extraordinary quality of life of Los Gatos,” said Chamber President Dianne Anderson. “Our businesses not only provide goods and services, they add to the unique charm and reputation of Los Gatos that draws visitors from all over the world.”