CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF CONFERENCEDIRECT ; JOSH BUSTOS ; COURTESY OF BALBOA ISLAND MUSEUM
A VICTORY FOR VISIT NEWPORT BEACH
For the second year in a row , Visit Newport Beach has won ConferenceDirect CVB of the Year , an award that recognizes its commitment to excellence and dedication to providing exceptional service to its clients . Visit Newport Beach was presented with the award during the ConferenceDirect Annual Partner Meeting , which took place April 7-11 at Loews Arlington in Arlington , Texas . The tourism bureau was celebrated in the Convention & Visitors Bureau - Secondary Market category , and the award was decided by write-in ballots cast by associates of ConferenceDirect , a global meetings solution company . “ We are thrilled to receive the ConferenceDirect CVB of the Year Award for the second time ,” Michelle Donahue , senior vice president of sales at Visit Newport Beach , said in a press release . “ This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our group sales team , our outstanding hotel partners and our unwavering commitment to going above and beyond in serving our clients . We are immensely proud of our team and grateful for the opportunity to showcase Newport Beach as a premier destination for meetings and events .” ( 949-719-6100 ; visitnewportbeach . org ) — Clara Beard
Newport Beach Mayor Will O ’ Neill presented Shirley Pepys , board chairman of the Balboa Island Museum , with a proclamation honoring her service to the community on Feb . 27 . The ceremony , which took place in the Newport Beach City Council Chambers , was attended by many museum board members and supporters . In part , the proclamation celebrated Pepys as a “ Helper of education , philanthropy , community , and history preservation .” Pepys also helped to start the Orangewood Foundation ’ s Advanced Studies program , which raised substantial funds to support the creation of youth scholarships that helped over 75 students obtain advanced degrees or certificates . Pepys also received a Certificate of Recognition from the state Assembly and signed by Assembly member Diane Dixon , who represents the 72nd Assembly District including Newport . In responding to the honors bestowed upon her , Pepys said , “ Creating a museum is not a one-woman show . I am blessed to have a very creative family and they have all been involved in some way .” ( 949-675-3952 ; balboaislandmuseum . org ) — C . B .
Visit Newport Beach was recognized at the ConferenceDirect meeting .
PROCLAMATION FOR PRESERVATION
Shirley Pepys was honored for her service .
Gorjana ’ s expanded shop at Fashion Island
READY TO SHINE
Local jewelry designer Gorjana Reidel welcomed a swarm of stylecentric guests to celebrate the opening of her recently expanded , eponymous boutique at Fashion Island in May . The gorjana store — featuring rough-hewn reclaimed beams , marble flooring terrazzo and arched entryways — nearly doubled in size to 1,300 square feet and includes a dedicated space and shopping experience for the fine jewelry collection . “ Our expanded Fashion Island store is a reflection of our growth as a brand and demand from our phenomenal customers for elevated styles ,” Reidel , said in a press release . “ I can ’ t wait to welcome shoppers into our expanded space to browse our ever-growing Fine Collection .” When first opened in 2018 , the Fashion Island location marked the brand ’ s sixth shop ; the business now boasts more than 65 stores across the nation . During the reopening party , guests not only had the opportunity to mingle with the icon herself — the entrepreneur is based in nearby Laguna Beach — but also to consult directly with a professional stylist to curate an individualized “ layered look .” ( 949- 662-6101 ; gorjana . com ) — C . B .
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 17