Our View: Chamber winners congratulated
You can tell something about a community by the style and vibrancy of its chamber of commerce, and you can do a good deal of the assessment by watching the members at their annual meetings.
Chambers can be:
1. Wonderful organizations that encourage and promote.
2. Obligatory clubs for griping and hand wringing.
The Yuba-Sutter chamber shows itself to be a member of the first camp — the enthusiasm and fun of last Saturday night's annual meeting was evidence enough. People were smiling, were having fun being together, were forward focused, and were supportive and celebratory of good works.
That means that Yuba-Sutter is more likely to have positive outcomes when met with business and marketplace challenges. And those successes splash over into any number of other realms — education, environment, community, infrastructure, etc.
A big part of how a successful chamber of commerce effects positive change is by recognizing those who are doing things right. We would like to add our congratulations to those who won the plaques this past week (thanks to new board chairman Jackie Sillman for the lowdown on the following):
Chairman's Award: Frank M. Booth Inc. and employees have been giving back for more than 100 years. It is evident they care about the community.
Rookie Business of the Year: The award-winning outfit recently opened a tasting room where customers can enjoy Sutter County wine and take in the scenic Sutter Buttes.
Business of the Year: Bishop's Pumpkin Farm is a shining example of the agri-tourism available in our community.
Small Business of the Year: Stephen's Farmhouse is owned and operated by a family interested in not only selling fresh fruits and vegetables and baked goods, but also in giving back to the community through educational support activities and philanthropy.
Customer Service Award: Affordable Office Furniture & Supplies is a local business that can compete with the big box stores for content and selection and makes their customers happy.
Community Involvement Award (business): Golden State Collision center is known for their program of giving cars to deserving women who have been homeless, battered, and or drug dependent. Golden State Collision reminds us to celebrate and bring our community together.
Community Involvement Award (individual): Allen Sutfin is the man responsible for lighting Ellis Lake and for trying, overall, to make Yuba-Sutter a better place to live and work.
Athena Award: Joellen Jimerson sets the bar high. She is known for her keen organization, leadership and fundraising skills, but also for her sincere desire to help others (especially mentoring young women).
Additionally, kudos went to: Honorary lifetime member award winner Tom Walther; volunteers of the year Starlene Amato and Jamie Keith (both Appeal-Democrat employees, by the way); ambassador of the year Daria Ali; and to John Cassidy, Yuba-Sutter icon.
