Approximately 20 companies will be recognized at the 2024 Business Excellence Awards
More than 100 members of the community attended the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance 2024 Business Excellence Awards Ceremony held at Dash Cellars and Urban Legend Cellars outside Building 25 on Thursday, April 25th. did.
The dinner recognized outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals who have contributed significantly to Alameda's vibrancy and success. Additionally, the Alameda Chamber of Commerce and Economic Alliance Board of Directors was established for 2024.
“Alameda is fortunate to have such a diverse and engaged community,” said Madren Sadiq, president and CEO of the Alameda Chamber of Commerce and Economic Alliance. “The Business Excellence Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of local heroes – the businesses, organizations and individuals who make Alameda a thriving place to live, work and play.”
The evening began with an introduction by District 18 Councilwoman Mia Bonta and a presentation to outgoing Board Chair Kelly Lux. This year's honorees included many notable names, including Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, the West End Arts District, and Encinal High School head football coach Derrick Lyons. The awards were presented by a variety of past recipients and leaders from both the Chamber of Commerce and Alameda's business community. Magpie & Thorn owner Maggie Adams, who recently passed away suddenly, was also honored at the ceremony.
Inclement weather forced many attendees indoors during the awards ceremony, but the final awards ceremony of the night was interrupted by rain, causing the event to end early. Sadiq shared some of his comments on the President's Award to Becca Perata, who was unable to make the announcement due to rain.
“For Becca, Alameda is both home and a place of change and transition. Over the years, she has witnessed the growth and change of this community and has played an active role. Her love for Alameda and society Her commitment to change shines through her work in public relations and relationships while fostering connections across the island. Becca brings people together to share space, exchange ideas, and create workable solutions in Alameda. We help organizations adapt to and support the needs and goals of vibrant communities.”
The award came as a surprise to Perata, as the nominees for the award were not made public. At dinner last year, alameda post Awarded as Best Community Partner. Congratulations to all of his 2024 recipients listed below.
2024 Business Excellence Award Winners (nominated by the community and selected by the Chamber Nominating Committee):
- Small Business of the Year: Dash Sellers & Urban Legend Sellers.
- Women-owned Business of the Year: Pacific Fine Foods.
- Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter.
- Educator of the Year: Derrick Lyons, AUD.
- excellent organization: SF Bay Ferry.
- Young Adult Professional of the Year: Margarita Estrada, Nightingale 24/7.
- lifetime achievements: Michan's Auction.
- 2024 Pioneer (Individual): Adam Elsesser, Penumbra.
- innovative business: Exelixis.
- green business: Kairos power.
- Volunteer of the Year: Bob Blanchard, Alameda Meal on Wheels.
- community leader: Vicki Sedlak, Alameda Education Foundation.
- local hero: Lt. Eric Krause of the Alameda Police Department.
- art and culture: West End Arts District.
Award chosen by the Chamber of Commerce
- Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year: Kevin Thomas.
- public/private partners: Lois Butler, Economic Development Director, City of Alameda Base Reuse and Economic Development Department.
- new business: Park Social & Bay Light Charter.
- President's Award: Becca Perata, Vox Populi PR.
Adam Gillitt is alameda post.please contact him [email protected]. His writings are collected at his AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt.