More than 300 people are expected to attend the 47th annual Winter Gala on Friday night to honor the community award recipients of 2006.

Former award recipients will present Lori Sparger, who helped launch Brighter Christmas 27 years ago, with the Woman Citizen of the Year award, and former Tracy Mayor Dan Bilbrey with the Male Citizen of the Year award.

“This is a chance to recognize the outstanding contribution of these individuals,” said Dan Maloney, Tracy Chamber of Commerce executive director. “I think they’re all deserving of the awards.”

San Joaquin Magazine publisher Tony Zoccoli was named the Entrepreneur of the Year for his ability to create a successful enterprise. Zoccoli launched Inside Tracy Magazine, now San Joaquin Magazine, in 2002.

Jim Franco, superintendent of Tracy Unified School District, will be honored as Professional of the Year for his leadership in the district.

The evening will honor Lynda Mendoza as Ambassador of the Year. Only a yearlong member of the Ambassador Group, Mendoza recruited several new businesses to join Tracy Chamber.

Boys

&

Girls Clubs of Tracy will be recognized as Organization of the Year, and Community Banks of Northern California as Business of the Year.

A committee made up of former award recipients received nominations for each category throughout the year and met in November to elect a male citizen, female citizen, professional, organization, business, ambassador and entrepreneur of the year.

The gala, organized by the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, sold out the $65-a-plate event earlier this week.

The dinner, which will be at The River Mill in French Camp, will also swear in new chamber board members for three-year terms. New board members are Elaine Yager, James Hulstrom, Jolene Saldivar, Ken Cefalo and Scott McFarland.