Schools
With Business Success Comes Great Responsibility
The Chamber of Commerce honored several individuals and businesses for their contributions to the community and education.
The is no different from other Chambers in its dedicated support of its business community. But the hallmark of this Chamber is its concerted effort to give back to the community that their business calls “home.”
In its 114th Annual Dinner and Awards Recognition Banquet at , the Chamber of Commerce presented awards to individuals and businesses who had made a significant impact on their community and schools.
“This Chamber is dedicated to giving back to the education community,” said Assemblymember Rich Gordon. “We strive to partner business and education.”
Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
DMB Community Manager Nori Jabba was honored as “Businesswoman of the Year” for sharing her expertise with the community, excellence in business practice, and helping other women reach their potential in the business community.
“Your job is not an easy one and it’s not always the most popular,” said Councilwoman Rosanne Foust. “But we want to thank you for all you do for the community.”
Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Chamber of Commerce honored two businesses, one small and large, for their commitment to education by presenting them with the Golden Apple Award.
Honey Bear Trees, the “small” business recipient, perhaps had the most holiday spirit of all Redwood City businesses. Not only were they selling Noble, Frasier, Grand and Douglas firs from the Pacific Northwest, but of every tree sale to a school or non-profit of the purchaser’s choice.
The business raised over $20,000 for Redwood City schools over the past three years.
“The children are our future,” said Aaron Boyle, owner of Honey Bear Trees. “They need everything we can give them.”
The , the “large business” recipient, had donated over $13,000 to the Redwood City Education Foundation by co-sponsoring its annual “Benefit for a Brighter Future” and donating all booth site fees from the annual PortFest.
“We’re so proud and pleased to support what [the students] do,” said Port Executive Director Mike Giari. “Our goal is that no student in Redwood City will say ‘There’s a port in Redwood City?’”
The Port has conducted its annual poster contest for over 25 years as an opportunity for Redwood City children to compete for prizes while learning about their hometown port. Their artwork each year reflects an aspect of the Port and the maritime industry. The students’ winning selections have been displayed at and the .
Josh Pierry of online marketing company Pierry Interactive, a “newbie” to the Chamber, was honored as the Chamber’s “Person of the Year” for his endless contributions to the Chamber. From co-chairing membership drives to encouraging others to go through the Chamber’s education program, Pierry has been an active member in the short time he has been with the Chamber, Board Chairman Ben Paul said.
“Really guys, I’m not that important!” Pierry said humbly. “But I just want to thank the Chamber for everything it’s given me.”
At the banquet, the new Chairman of the Board, ’s Stacey Wagner, was welcomed as the past Chairman was thanked for all his dedication to the Chamber.
For more news about Redwood City and surrounding areas, including unincorporated San Mateo County, follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook.
Got Patch? Sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.