CARLSBAD -- Even in these challenging economic times, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce found much to celebrate Friday night at its annual awards dinner at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara.

"It's always a great event, but it's even better in 2009," said Ted Owen, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce president and CEO as he mingled with guests before dinner. "We need to encourage business now more than ever because it's motivation that will get us out of this (economic slump) -- not government or stimulus plans, but motivation."

Jeff Donnelley, who owns a Carlsbad advertising and marketing firm, said that the event is also a good chance to network.

"I'm always seeing and running into businesspeople I know here," he said, adding that last year he even garnered an account from someone he met at the awards dinner.

Friday night, more than 500 people attended the star-studded gala honoring Carlsbad's outstanding business and community leaders. Among this year's award winners were Greg Lucier, CEO of Life Technologies Corp., who was named Businessperson of the Year, Julie Nygaard for her outstanding community leadership, and Brett Hanley, president and CEO of SeaShell Awnings USA Inc., as Entrepreneur of the Year.

Carlsbad resident Tom Applegate with his certified public accounting firm CEA, LLP bought an entire table at Friday night's awards ceremony.

"It's important to get out and recognize our employers, our businesses," Applegate said "especially in this economy."

The Chamber also presented awards to small, medium and large businesses that have contributed to North County's thriving economic climate.

Winning for small business of the year was E-World Recyclers Inc. The Vista-based company recycles electronic waste and has donated a number of computer systems to the Boys & Girls Club of Vista. AKT, LLP, a financial consulting firm, won for medium-size business of the year and Legoland brought home the award for best large business.

All the winners were presented with engraved crystal awards designed by renowned marine life artist Wyland. Wyland, who received a special Environmental Award, was also on hand to paint a number of works on site, which guests were able to purchase.

Attendees also jumped at the chance to see Aptera Motors' sleek, eco-friendly automobile on display in the dining room. Owen noted in his opening remarks that one guest even flew in from northern California just to get a sneak peak of the ultra-mileage prototype and perhaps to buy one.

Aptera Motors, a Carlsbad company, was awarded a special Green Technology Advocate award.

All of the award winners serve as a model for how businesses can succeed in a difficult economy, said Owen.

"I really hope the forecasts aren't true," said Carlsbad Mayor Claude "Bud" Lewis. "We are lucky for all the Chamber does â€- it really is the energy that drives the economy here in Carlsbad."