Legends & Leaders 2007: Vicente Fox
Legends & Leaders 2006: Bob Newhart
Legends & Leaders 2005: Magic Johnson
Legends & Leaders 2004: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Legends & Leaders 2003: Bob Dole
Legends & Leaders 2002: Barbara Bush

More than 1,000 attendees at the Chamber’s Annual Legends & Leaders event on October 25, 2007 were enthralled and moved by the emotional and charismatic former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox. Fox is credited as playing a vital role in Mexico's democratization, and with strengthening the country's economy. During his tenure, Fox succeeded in controlling inflation and interest rates, and in achieving the lowest unemployment rate in all of Latin America. His speech was motivating, poignant and energizing ending in a five minute long standing ovation as members of the Fairmont Hotel wait staff filed onto the stage behind him.

Legends and Leaders is the SJSV Chamber of Commerce's premier business gala and funds raised through the dinner underwrite grants provided to the recipients of the Excellence in Education Awards and support other education grants administered through the Chamber’s Community Education Foundation. Six honorees for 2007 were recognized at the October 25th Legends and Leaders banquet. Chamber President Pat Dando and Board Chair Nanci Williams joined Jessica Aguirre of NBC 11 on stage for the awards presentation.

Three recipients of the 2007 Excellence in Education Awards received cash grants:

Outstanding Student
Misha Balingit, Gunderson High School

Outstanding Teacher
Mike Burrell, Pioneer High School

Outstanding Principal
Carla Haakma, Los Arboles School

Community Leadership Awards for outstanding volunteer and leadership contributions to nonprofit and community organizations were presented:

2007 Community Leadership Alumni Award
Autumn Gutierrez

2007 Leadership Excellence Community Award
Jack Collishaw
Bruns Belmont Construction, Inc./Saramark, Inc.

2007 Leadership Excellence Corporate Award
eBay

The event helped raise funds for the Chamber’s many member services and programs.