It’s time for city residents to put on their thinking caps and
come up with nominations for the 2005 Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
Citizen and Business Recognition Dinner.
Gilroy – It’s time for city residents to put on their thinking caps and come up with nominations for the 2005 Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Citizen and Business Recognition Dinner.
Nomination forms for each of the five categories to be rewarded at the 53rd annual event will be available at the chamber office and are due by October 28. Susan Valenta, President of the Chamber of Commerce, called for the help of the community in choosing the honorees.
“It’s based on what the community has provided to us,” Valenta said. “Many come up with individuals who have done things in areas we may not be aware of.”
For the man and woman of the year award, the individuals should be people living in Gilroy who have a history of “unselfish, non-paid service to the community, contributing to Gilroy’s welfare and betterment.”
Last year’s honorees for Man and Woman of the Year had a long list of contributions to the Gilroy community dating back to 1996. Bill Lindsteadt, the first executive director of the Gilroy Economic Development, played a vital role in the economic growth of Gilroy in the last ten years. J. Chris Mickartz, voted woman of the year, helped form the Leadership Gilroy Foundation and has worked on campaigns for many local politicians.
“It’s sort of a one-time selection, if you go back through the history of the folks that were selected,” Valenta said. “Historically, there hasn’t been a repeat [award winner] because there are so many worthy people.”
Business of the Year awards go to a small business, with 25 or fewer full or part-time employees, and a large business with more than 25 employees.
The businesses must have been operating for at least one year and have enhanced the business climate in Gilroy.
At last year’s event, the business award winners included Pacific Diversified Insurance Services, Inc. in the large business category and Articulate Solutions in the small business category.
While the business, man and woman of the year nominations are open to anyone in the city, the Firman B. Voorhies Volunteer of the Year award is open only to Chamber volunteers. Patricia Golden took home the title at the 2004 dinner for her long history as a chamber ambassador.
She also volunteered as a docent at Bonfante Gardens. She serves meals at the Lord’s Table and has served on city commissions.
“The awards are a way that the community can pay tribute to people and businesses that have gone above and beyond,” Valenta said. “You can’t give people enough recognition for doing good deeds.”
