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Rancho Cordova Independent

Chamber Shines on in 60th Year

Nov 08, 2023 11:27AM ● By Patrick Editor

Rancho Cordova 60th Anniversary 2023 Business Award Winners & Special Honors. Back row left to right: Angela Terry, Terrence McNamara, Darcy Brewer, Sheryl Smith, Dawn Hall, Chris Tabieros. Front row left to right: Bill Glasser, Tina Williams, Rachel French, Harry Elliott, Andrea Nelson. Photo courtesy of Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce


RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Celebration Gala on October 19, 2023, to recognize its 60th Anniversary and honor local businesses and individuals.

Over 250 guests attended the sold-out evening of fine cuisine, entertainment, and connections at the Platinum Palace in Rancho Cordova. The gala was the culmination of a year of celebration, including a blood drive, unique items sold by businesses, community service, and more.

 The 60th Anniversary Gala Committee really outdid themselves for this year’s celebration. In the image from left to right: Andréa Nelson, Fozia Ferozali, Kristen Holihan & Sheryl Smith. Photo courtesy of Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce


“The Chamber’s 60th Anniversary was one for the history books,” said Joey Penneman, Board Chair. “Not only was it a look back at the life-changing and staggering impact of the Chamber, but it also showed how many are committed to paving the way forward as we begin the next 60 years.”

The Chamber also recognized local businesses and individuals for supporting the community and larger region this past year. The most distinguished award was a surprise third-ever induction into the Chamber Hall of Fame: Dawn Hall! The Hall of Fame was established several years ago, and unlike the annual recognition of Chamber members, it is only awarded for achievements above and beyond.

“Dawn came to the Chamber as a volunteer when there were discussions of the Chamber dissolving,” said Diann Rogers, President & CEO. “She went on to serve as a staff member for 14 years and continues to run Leadership Rancho Cordova. We are honored to recognize Dawn and ensure her role in the Chamber’s history is never forgotten.”

Kristen Achziger, Aubrey Hall and Dawn Hall, the evening’s recipient of the distinguished third-ever induction into the Chamber Hall of Fame. Photo courtesy of Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce


The Chamber also has a Rising Star Award for the business of the year to watch. Chris Tabieros, owner of CTubbz Detailing, was recognized for becoming an Ambassador, graduating from the Minority Business Assistance and Recovery Kickstart Program, and joining this year’s Leadership Rancho Cordova Class 17.

Other annual business awards included Bee Embroidered, Micro Business of the Year; Express Employment Professionals, Small Business of the Year; Language World, Medium Business of the Year; Elliott Homes, Large Business of the Year; and California Capital Airshow, Nonprofit of the Year.

Other annual individual awards included Andrea Nelson, Colliers, Ambassador of the Year; Sheryl Smith, Smith Real Estate Services, Chairman’s Award, and Outgoing Board Members; Mike Luca, CBRE, Sheryl Smith, Smith, Smith Real Estate Services and Price Walker, Elliott Homes.

“Our business community has been through a lot over the past few years,” said Sheryl Smith, 60th Anniversary Committee Chair. “Taking the time to celebrate and recognize the impact of businesses of all sizes is essential and a reminder of businesses' critical role in our community’s well-being.”

It takes a village to host such a significant event. The 60th Anniversary Committee included Fozia Ferozali, Chamberlain University; Kristen Holihan, First Northern Bank; and Andréa Nelson, Colliers. The Chamber thanks its event sponsors: Republic Services, Firecode Safety Equipment Inc., City of Rancho Cordova, Golden State Water, Five Star Bank, Wood Rodgers, Hyatt Place, Teichert Construction, KP International Market, Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Explore Rancho Cordova, CBRE, True Color Litho, SAFE Community Credit Union, California American Water, RC Hospice and Palliative Care, Afisha Media Group & Ethno.FM radio, d’primera mano Magazine, The Grapevine Independent, Russian American Media, ABSO Technologies, Clutch, Elliott Homes, Guardian Protection Force Inc., Morton & Pitalo, SMUD, SSL Innovations, and Visit Rancho Cordova.

Chamber 60th Anniversary ambassadors were: (From the left) Carmen Meeks, Jenn Alton, Leona LaRochelle, Diann Rogers, Matthew Hontz, Elizabeth Keyser, Andréa Nelson & Anjelica Strijaous. Photo courtesy of Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce

 

The Chamber offers opportunities to get involved as a member, volunteer, or serving. Stay tuned by signing up for its e-newsletter at RanchoCordova.org or following it on social media.

The Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce has been promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and improving the business climate for six decades. It supports over 400 members and 12,000 employees in over 270 business categories in Rancho Cordova, Gold River, Rosemont, Mather, Rancho Murieta, and the surrounding region. As the business community's voice, the Chamber creates extraordinary opportunities and prosperity through advocacy, business connections, and promotion. Learn more: RanchoCordova.org