2024 Business Excellence Awards honor nearly two dozen
More than a hundred members of the community attended the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance 2024 Business Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 25, at Dashe Cellars and Urban Legend Cellars outside Building 25.
The dinner recognized outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who significantly contribute to the vibrancy and success of Alameda. Additionally, the Board of the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance was installed for the 2024 year.
“Alameda is fortunate to have such a diverse and dedicated community,” said Madlen Saddik, President and CEO of the Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance. “The Business Excellence Awards are a chance to celebrate the incredible achievements of our local heroes – the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make Alameda a thriving place to live, work, and play.”
The evening began with an introduction from District 18 Assemblymember Mia Bonta and a presentation to outgoing Board Chair, Kelly Lux. Many recognizable names were among the award winners this year, including Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, the West End Arts District, and Encinal High School Head Football Coach Derrick Lyons. Awards were handed out by a variety of previous award winners and leaders from both the Chamber and Alameda’s business community. Magpie & Thorne owner Maggie Adams, who passed away unexpectedly recently, was also honored at the ceremony.
The blustery weather drove many of the attendees inside during the presentation of the awards until rain interrupted the final award of the evening and ended the event early. Saddik shared some of her remarks for the President’s Award to Becca Perata, which she was not able to deliver due to the rain.
“For Becca, Alameda is both a home and a place of transformation and transition. Over the years, she has witnessed and played an active role in the growth and changes of this community. It is her love for Alameda and commitment to social change that shines through her work in public affairs and relations as she fosters connections across the island. By bringing people together to share space, exchange ideas, and create actionable solutions, Becca helps Alameda adapt to and support the needs and goals of its vibrant community.”
The award came as a surprise for Perata, as nominees for the award were not announced publicly. During last year’s dinner, the Alameda Post was honored as Best Community Partner. We extend our congratulations to all of 2024’s winners, listed below.
2024 Business Excellence Award Winners (nominated by the community and selected by the Chamber Nominations Committee):
- Small Business of the Year: Dashe Cellars & Urban Legend Cellars.
- Woman-Owned Business of the Year: Pacific Fine Foods.
- Nonprofit of the Year: Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter.
- Educator of the Year: Derrick Lyons, AUSD.
- Outstanding Organization: SF Bay Ferry.
- Young Adult Professional of the Year: Margarita Estrada, 24/7 Nightingale.
- Lifetime Achievement: Michaan’s Auctions.
- 2024 Trailblazer (Individual): Adam Elsesser, Penumbra.
- Innovative Business: Exelixis.
- Green Business: Kairos Power.
- Volunteer of the Year: Bob Blanchard, Alameda Meals on Wheels.
- Community Leader: Vicki Sedlack, Alameda Education Foundation.
- Local Hero: Lt. Erik Klaus, Alameda Police Department.
- Art and Culture: West End Arts District.
Chamber-selected Awards
- Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Kevin Thomas.
- Public Private Partner: Lois Butler, Economic Development Division Manager, Base Reuse and Economic Development Department, City of Alameda.
- Newcomer Businesses: Park Social & Bay Lights Charter.
- The President’s Award: Becca Perata, Vox Populi PR.
Adam Gillitt is the Publisher of the Alameda Post. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Adam-Gillitt.
