DOWN SYNDROME CONNECTION OF THE BAY AREA WINS 2010 CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Danville Express
Chamber of Commerce commends community at award ceremony
by Jessica Lipsky
January 24, 2011
The Danville business community stepped out in style Thursday night for the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce awards and officers and directors installation. The annual event included a raffle, an opera performance by George Komsky and the casts of such time-honored favorites as "Looney Toons" and "Forrest Gump."
Master of Ceremonies and impressionist extraordinaire Reed Noble kept the three-hour ceremony upbeat as outgoing officers and award recipients gave their heartfelt thanks to chamber members.
"Someone asked me what it feels like not to be El Supremo of the chamber, and it feels somewhere between my dog dying and winning the lottery," said outgoing Chairman of the Board Joe Combs.
Combs awarded Jonathan Watts, attorney at law and chairman elect, the Chairman's Award for going "above and beyond in value in the chamber" and it's Drive to Thrive membership program.
Recently retired President and CEO Melony Newman highlighted the chamber's accomplishments for the past year, including the State of the Town address in March and the Drive to Thrive, which brought 90 new members.
"More than ever, it's important to get to know your local businesses," she said.
Newman received a standing ovation as she discussed the personal challenges that led to her resignation from the chamber.
"Know that I will always be with you in spirit," Newman said. "I'm horrible at goodbyes, so farewell for now."
As Newman heads for Oregon, Mayor Karen Stepper swore in a new crop of 17 officers and directors who will "attend meetings with great enthusiasm."
"You can be really proud about what's going to happen in the next year, probably surprised by it too because they are so eclectic" Stepper said.
Chief among the inductees was new Chairman of the Board Kim Lindeberg, who looked statuesque in a teal evening gown. She ascended the stage steps to the "Rocky" theme.
"The footsteps I'm following are big shoes to fill," said the seven-year chamber member, "I accept the challenge…to bring more collaboration into the folds of our community."
Following the instillation, members of local media presented community awards for citizen, business person, education and charitable organization of the year.
Nancy Labelle from Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area tearfully accepted her award for the charitable organization.
"On behalf of the families we serve, I thank you for this important honor. Without people in the community like this, we don't exist," she said.
Monte Vista High's choral teacher Bruce Koliha, a 29-year veteran of the school, won educator of the year. Former student and rising opera star George Komsky said it was lovely and serendipitous that Koliha was nominated the same night he was set to perform.
"It's the students that sustain me, that make me want to be at school at 7:30 in the morning," Koliha said.
The 29-year MVHS veteran has had 10 international counter tours with his singers and has sung in the Sistine Chapel.
Paulina Pulliam McGill was declared citizen of the year for her work in real estate and at the San Ramon Medical Center. McGill was surprised and nearly speechless, accepting the award by saying the chamber is "a wonderful group…and whatever."
Gordon Clarke of the Tower Grille since 2007 won business person of the year and said he "loves giving away food for free."
The evening wrapped up with a mad scramble for table centerpieces and the delicate placement of gift baskets among their high-heeled winners . Steve Wilcox, who was in the running for the business person award, left with a barely manageable box of wine he won in a raffle.
