Chamber Designates Excellence Awardees

Chamber Designates Excellence Awardees

Each year the Alameda Chamber of Commerce celebrates the best of Alameda with its Business Excellence Awards. The theme for 2020 is We Love Our Community Heroes. According to the Chamber, “Alameda’s businesses are fighters, and this year so many of our community members have come together to make this community even better for its residents, employers and visitors.”
The Chamber will honor the awardees with a virtual ceremony on Feb. 11. The awardees are those who “have given their all — the unsung heroes whose hard work has made a difference to all of us.”

Business Excellence
Award Winners

The Child Unique Montessori School earned the Chamber Longevity Award for its 39 years as a member.

Donut Petit earned the Newcomer Award, which is given to a new member of the community who has given back in a meaningful way.

Pure Linx, a subsidiary of McGuire and Hester, earned the Corporate Philanthropy Award (COVID-oriented, which is given to a company that exemplifies a philanthropic spirit and mission.

Ole’s Waffle Shop earned the Good Neighbor Award (COVID-oriented), which is given to someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to bringing our community together.

Romeo Ponsaran of Wood Middle School earned the Outstanding Teacher Award, bestowed upon a teacher who has made a remarkable impact in and out of the classroom.

Three members of Alameda Fire Department (AFD) earned the Local Hero Award, given to first responders or front-line workers who have exemplified heroism. The awardees include: AFD Captains David Port and Ben Kim and AFD Firefighter Patrick Corder.

The Alameda Food Bank received the Community Non-profit Award, which is given to a non-profit for extraordinary contributions to the community.

Chris Tam received the Community Impact Award, bestowed upon a company or individual whose work has improved the quality of life for those in Alameda and beyond.

Brian Lin and Kyle Wonzen earned the Youth Outstanding Achievement Award, which is given to an outstanding young person who has made significant contributions to the community.

Penumbra, Inc. received the President’s Distinguished Legacy Award for making a significant, long-term impact on Alameda.

In addition to the awards ceremony, guests will be a part of the Chamber Board induction ceremony. They will enjoy musical entertainment and an optional raffle as part of the evening’s festivities. Tickets cost $150 per pair, and include a “party in a box” of special treats. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Midway Shelter of Alameda.

For more information see www.alamedachamber.com or call (510) 522-0414.

Pipe-A-Thon is Still Going On
The New Year’s Eve Pipeathon is taking a different tack this year due to the pandemic. The effort is led by Andy MacKay, who for the last six years has been bagpiping in the New Year in every bar in Alameda to support the American Cancer Society (ACS).
This year the Pipeathon is dedicated in memory of Andy’s brother-in-law, Sylvester ‘Silly’ Morgan, who lost his brave battle with cancer in January 2020 in the UK.
Donations to ACS are accepted at www.hogmabay.org.