Welcome to the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce

For Immediate Release:                    Contact:  Anita Hawkes
March 16, 2010                                                     President and CEO
                                                                              Vallejo Chamber of Commerce
                                                                              (707) 644-5551

Vallejo Chamber Seeks Community Support for Google Bid

With the City of Vallejo preparing to submit a bid for Google’s Fiber for Communities national competition, the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce is asking Vallejo residents, businesses and other interested parties endorse the city’s application and explain how they would use this new ultra-high speed connection in their work, education and other internet needs.

“Google is planning to build and test ultra-high speed broadcast networks in a small number of trial locations across the country that will deliver internet speeds more than 100 times faster than most Americans have access to today,” said Anita Hawkes, President & CEO of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce. “We feel Vallejo has a good chance in this national competition because we have the infrastructure already in place to handle the new fiber optic lines needed for this service. We put in a grid that covered the entire City for our timed traffic lights in the 1990’s, there is room in that grid for additional fiber plus we have AT&T wired through the city. Mayor Davis and City Council are behind this bid but Google also needs to hear from the Vallejo community at large.

It will take just a few minutes on line to express your support for this project. Those interested in supporting Vallejo for this new ultra-high speed internet service can find out more information and the supporting nomination form at www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi.

For Immediate Release:                    Contact:  Anita Hawkes
January 15, 2010                                                   Interim President and CEO
                                                                              Vallejo Chamber of Commerce
                                                                              (707) 644-5551

Chamber Honors Outstanding Businesses and Individuals at the 135th Installation Dinner

The 2009 Vallejo Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year awards were presented to three outstanding member businesses at the Chamber’s 135th Installation Event on Friday, January 15th at the Foley Cultural Center.

More than 250 members, community leaders and guests attended the event at which Harrington Chiropractic, Klimisch’s Inc. and Island Energy were honored for their creativity, innovation and investment in their business, socially responsible business practices, and commitment to the support and promotion of the Vallejo Community.

Ian Kaiser was honored as the New Member of the Year, awarded to a new member business that has contributed significantly to the Chamber and Community in its first year as a Chamber member. The Vallejo Convention & Visitors Bureau was named the Community Organization Partner of the Year for its efforts in promoting and marketing Vallejo.

A number of special awards were also given out at the evening event: The Athena Award, co-sponsored by the Vallejo Chamber and Avery Greene Motors, went to Kathy Hoffman of Congressman George Miller’s Office. The Vallejo Chamber Man of the Year Bud Butler Award was presented to Chamber Board Member Rudy Manfredi of Medic Ambulance.

Marlies Lenigk was named 2009 Vallejo Chamber Ambassador of the Year. 2009 Board Chair Freda Dill presented two Chairman’s Awards to past Board Chair Verna Mustico and outgoing Board member Barbara Chavez for their outstanding contributions to the Chamber and the Vallejo community over the past year.

In addition to the presentation of awards, the Chamber installed its 2010 officers at the event. Jerry Wilkerson of Umpqua Bank was sworn in as 2010 Board Chair and Terry Glubka of Sutter Solano Medical Center as the Treasurer. Michael Coan of Favaro Lavezzo Gill Caretti and Heppell is the Divisional Vice Chairman of Political Advocacy, Tom Atwood of Vallejo Insurance Associates is the Vice Chairman of Economic Development and Peter Wilson of the Benicia Vallejo Humane Society is the Vice Chair of Member Services.

The chamber’s 2010 Board of Directors was also sworn in at the event. Returning board members include: Freda Dill, past Board Chair, US Bank; Clark Blasdell of Suburban Alternatives Land Trust; John Bustamante, Enterprise Wireless Solutions; Derik Calhoun of Vallejo Transit/MV Transportation; Phil Elfstrom of Skyview Memorial Lawn; Norbert Frost, Law Offices of Norbert Frost; Eric Gilbert of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom; and Tony LoForte, Zio Fraedo’s of Vallejo.
New to the Board in 2010 are Kathe Chandler of First Bank; Linda Johnson of Merrill Gardens Vallejo; Rudy Manfredi of Medic Ambulance; Shane McAffee of the Greater Vallejo Recreation District; Kevin Miller of M2 Mail; and Tony Shannon of Miyogi Productions.

Kaiser Permanente was the presenting sponsor of the Chamber’s 135th Installation Dinner. The Vallejo Chamber would like to thank Kaiser for its tremendous support of this event.