Palm Springs, CA

The Desert Business Association (DBA), the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ Chamber, will recognize recipients of the DBA Impact Awards, its annual event to honor business leaders, community leaders and organizations, at 5 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2025, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. These recipients have been examples of strength and foresight in our communities.

This year’s recipients are:

Business of the Year: Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living
Business Person of the Year: Bob Smiland, Desert Hand Car Wash
Outstanding Community Service Organization: Dinner with Patsi
Outstanding Community Service Leader: Palm Springs Police Department – All Officers and Staff

The DBA will also recognize recent LGBTQ Youth Educational Scholarship awardees through its
partner Safe Schools Desert Cities.

Each was nominated by their peers and the community over the past month and were selected for their
dedication in positively benefitting our LGBTQ and ally communities.

“Each of these recipients has made positive impacts over this past year,” said David Powell, the DBA’s executive director. “They have raised money to support local nonprofits, provided services for our senior and local community organizations, supported local businesses, helped to identify ways to help the unhoused, and conveyed an overall strong commitment to and for our communities.”

There will also be special recognition for LGBTQ youth from across the Coachella Valley who will be receiving college educational scholarships. These awards are presented through funds raised by Desert Business Association members, and distributed through its partner, Safe Schools Desert Cities.

“Our businesses and our communities have learned how to be resilient and are now needing to be even more active in strengthening our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Powell said. “These awards are just one mechanism to recognize and celebrate that.”

Sponsors for this event include Presenting Sponsor One Valley Foundation; Gold Sponsors ASM Global and Southern California Edison; Silver Sponsor All People’s Presbyterian Church; and Bronze Sponsors Social Strategy Associates and Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies.

Attendees will be treated to a special performance by actor and singer Nikki Blonsky from the movie, “Hairspray”, courtesy of GED Magazine. The evening’s program will be emceed by the familiar face of Peter Daut, KESQ News Channel 3 Anchor.

Tickets are $125 and includes a buffet dinner and no-host cocktails. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.DesertBusiness.org, or email Info@DesertBusinessAssociation.org

About Desert Business Association
The Desert Business Association (DBA) is the only LGBTQ+ chamber in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. Established in 1979, it helps LGBTQ and allied businesses promote and develop their business through networking and community events, educational seminars and promotional opportunities across the region. With over 320 members, DBA is focused on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion for our LGBTQ and other diverse businesses in the Coachella Valley. It is a local affiliate chamber of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce; http://www.DesertBusiness.org; @DesertBusiness