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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 13:23 GMT by Fox 11 News
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Golden Apple Awards 2024: A Celebration of Southern California’s Most Innovative and Service‑Oriented Businesses

The 2024 Golden Apple Awards, presented by the Southern California Business Journal, took place last Thursday at the luxurious Hyatt Regency in Los Angeles, and the event proved once again that the region’s local businesses are as vibrant and diverse as ever. The ceremony, which ran from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., celebrated companies across 14 distinct categories—ranging from “Best Overall Business” to “Best in Customer Service”—and honored those who have demonstrated excellence, creativity, and community impact over the past year. For more details on each winner, Fox 11 Online’s original article includes a link to the full list of honorees, which is freely accessible on the Southern California Business Journal’s website.

The Significance of the Golden Apple Awards

The Golden Apple Awards, which have been held annually since 1990, are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Southern California business community. The event brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and local government officials, all of whom converge to acknowledge businesses that not only perform exceptionally in their respective markets but also give back to their neighborhoods. As highlighted in the article, the awards are “a testament to the resilience and innovation that define Southern California’s economic landscape.”

The ceremony is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles, with a long‑time industry veteran, Dan L. Kaye, serving as the executive producer. “We’re proud to celebrate companies that have turned challenges into opportunities,” Kaye told Fox 11’s producer. “Their success is a source of inspiration for emerging entrepreneurs.”

Key Highlights of the 2024 Ceremony

1. Best Overall Business – Auntie Anne’s Franchise Group

Auntie Anne’s Franchise Group was awarded Best Overall Business, recognizing its consistent growth, strong franchise support network, and robust community outreach programs. The franchise’s “Community Crunch” initiative, which partners with local schools to provide healthy snack options, was praised for its innovative approach to nutrition education. According to the article, the company’s CEO, Carla Hernandez, thanked the community for their support and pledged to expand their outreach to additional districts in 2025.

2. Best in Customer Service – Blue Sky Pet Care

Blue Sky Pet Care’s “Pet Concierge” program, which offers personalized care plans and mobile vet services, earned the Best in Customer Service award. The award recognizes the company’s commitment to exceeding client expectations, as evidenced by a 98% satisfaction rate reported in their annual survey. The article noted that Blue Sky’s CEO, Daniel Kim, emphasized the importance of fostering trust between pet owners and service providers.

3. Emerging Business of the Year – EcoChic Apparel

EcoChic Apparel, a start‑up that produces sustainable fashion using up‑cycled fabrics, received the Emerging Business of the Year award. Founder Maya Patel explained that their focus on circular fashion has driven significant growth, with a 120% increase in revenue over the past year. The article included an interview clip of Patel discussing the challenges of scaling a green business in a competitive marketplace.

4. Best in Technology – NexGen Health Solutions

NexGen Health Solutions’ tele‑health platform, which streamlines patient intake and virtual visits, won Best in Technology. The company’s CEO, Rajiv Patel, highlighted the platform’s role in improving access to care for underserved communities. According to the article, NexGen’s platform has already saved over $5 million in patient transportation costs across the region.

The Awards Ceremony Format

Fox 11 Online’s coverage provides a detailed breakdown of the ceremony’s structure. It began with a keynote address from Los Angeles City Councilmember Maria Sanchez, who spoke about the role of local businesses in driving economic recovery post‑pandemic. Following the keynote, winners were announced in each category, accompanied by brief acceptance speeches and the presentation of the iconic golden apple trophies.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the “Hall of Fame” induction, where industry luminaries such as former California Governor Gray Davis and philanthropist Susan Miller were honored for lifetime contributions to the region’s business ecosystem. The article’s accompanying photo gallery captured the moment when Davis received a plaque that read “Champion of Entrepreneurship.”

Behind the Scenes: Sponsors and Partnerships

The article acknowledges the essential role of sponsors in making the event possible. Key sponsors included the Bank of America, Southern California Edison, and the Los Angeles Times. In addition, the Southern California Business Journal partnered with local culinary schools to provide catering for the awards banquet, reinforcing the event’s commitment to supporting community institutions.

A Look Ahead

The Golden Apple Awards concluded with a call to action for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The event’s closing remarks, delivered by award recipient Daniel Kim, urged local businesses to “invest in community development, prioritize sustainability, and cultivate diverse leadership teams.” The article ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing that the 2024 awards set a new benchmark for excellence, and that the next ceremony will be held on October 18, 2025, in San Diego.

Learn More

For readers who want to dive deeper into the list of winners, the Fox 11 Online article includes a hyperlink titled “See the Full List of 2024 Golden Apple Award Winners.” Clicking this link opens a comprehensive PDF hosted by the Southern California Business Journal, detailing each award category, recipient, and a short description of why they were selected. The PDF also provides contact information for each company, allowing local journalists and business analysts to follow up for potential follow‑up stories or interviews.

In sum, the 2024 Golden Apple Awards celebrated not only business success but also community impact, technological innovation, and sustainability—values that define the future of Southern California’s economy. By spotlighting companies that are making tangible differences, the event reinforces the idea that profitable enterprises can also be powerful social agents. As the region looks toward the future, the Golden Apple Awards will continue to be a barometer of local business health and an inspiration for entrepreneurs nationwide.