Chamber installs new board of directors
For the tenth time in its 145year history, a woman will lead the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.
Shawna Gilroy, along with the rest of directors, were sworn-in by Vallejo Mayor Bob Sampayan, during a festive installation and awards banquet Friday night.
“I look forward to getting things done this year, continuing to bridge our businesses with our community,” Gilroy, the advertising sales & community engagement manager for the Vallejo Times-Herald newspaper, told the crowd of 300-plus. “The relationship between the chamber and the city of Vallejo is one of great importance and I will continue to nurture that relationship during my year.”
She also outlined her goals for the year, which include working with Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams and the business community to ensure the economic development the chamber promotes has a safe and welcoming environment to grow in, updating the chamber’s strategic plan, and to “bring the chamber up to date with a new branding campaign that includes a new logo and tagline that represents the diversity of our city and business community.”
The normally reserved crowd of local electeds, officials, and business owners were elated, perhaps aided by generous libations, when Johnny Walker
of Century 21 Schutjer Realty, Inc., was announced as chair-elect for 2021.
Walker received a standing ovation and a rousing cheer as he approached the stage to be installed. Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan, acting as mistress of ceremonies, couldn’t contain her joy over the selection of Walker.
“Everything Johnny touches turns to gold,” she said from the stage. “You are so lucky.”
A more poignant moment came when Bill Mares, owner of DeMares Jewelers, was named the 2019 Bud Butler Man of the Year.
“I can’t tell you what an honor this is,” Mares said to those assembled after receiving the award. “I take pride in my city and for supporting me over the years.”
Mares expressed excitement that his business will celebrate 50 years at its location in the Vallejo Plaza on Sonoma Boulevard in 2021.
“I don’t plan to retire,” he happily announced.
Alicia Cook, an insurance agent with State Farm, picked up the 2019 Athena, or woman of the year, award.
“This is really a surprise,” she said while flanked by previous Athena winners.
Both former Athena and Bud Butler winners pick the new recipients.
Additional awards went to O’Connor Lumber & Ace Hardware as rookie of year, which is given to a new chamber member; the California State University Maritime Academy was recognized as large business of the year; Mare Island Brewing Co. picked up medium business of the year, while the small business of the year went to the Law Offices of Norbert U. Frost.
Den Kittelson, with Legal
Mind Attorney Service, earned Ambassador of the Year.
“I’m a winner!” he said smiling and showing off his award to a few audience members as he made his way to his seat.
The rest of the board of directors includes Derrick Karimian, of Krystal Properties, who was made treasurer for 2020.
Retaining their positions as vice chairs were, Robert Arp of Cal Maritime as government affairs chair, Amy Yacullo of Grocery Outlet of Vallejo as membership chair, and Jeanne Kilkenny-Turk of Vallejo Insurance Associates as community promotion.
Robert Briseno with BB&B Business Group/Local Happenings Magazine was elevated from director to economic development chair, taking over for Curtis Lafferty, from Century 21 Shutjer Realty.
Lafferty remains a director, joining Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Adam Clark; Krissy Hiteshew, of A-1 Guaranteed Heating & Air; Shawn Gavne with Alstom; Pinky Santiago, Bank of the West; Dr. Matthew Symkowick, of Kaiser Permanente; Kent Fortner, Mare Island Brewing Company; Kathleen Conway-Caretti, Redwood Eye Center; Bill Burrage with Recology; Billy Charles, of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Mark Gamba, Old Republic Title Company; Jimmy Pierson, with Medic Ambulance; and Maurice Solis, of Plantacea.
Jackie Arnold, who served as board chair in 2019, reflected on her year in charge.
“It was
a
great
year,” she said to the crowd. “We wouldn’t be anything without you guys.”
Arnold cited the full attendance at the inaugural State of the City event and chamber mixers as proof the chamber is on the right path. She also cited the regular meetings between the senior leadership teams of the chamber and city of Vallejo as a way to build that crucial relationship.
“It’s about building bridge with the city Vallejo,” she added. a of