Chamber Celebrates 60 Years at Annual Dinner
Jan 24, 2018 12:00AM ● By By Cendrinne DeMattei, Citrus Heights Chamber Executive DirectorJohn Casey and Victoria Ridge. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - It was the 60 year anniversary celebration for the Chamber at this year’s Annual Installation Dinner, held at the Citrus Heights Community Center. With over 160 attendees, this gala evening was an event to not only install the Chamber’s 2018 Board members but to recognize those in the community who earned special recognition by the Chamber for exemplary service. The evening kicked-off with a live auction for bottles of bubbly champagne and continued with festive music, a silent auction and raffle.
Citrus Heights Water District was awarded the Chamber’s Member of the Year award for its continued support of education, for the schools and the community, in the areas of water efficiency in addition to being a founding member of the Chamber. Ray Reihle, Citrus Heights Water District Board President, accepted the award on behalf of the Water District.
The Police Officer Excellence Award was presented to Officer Jeff Schouten, with the Citrus Heights Police Department and the Firefighter Excellence Award going to Firefighter/Engineer Dat Pham of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department. Long-time Chamber member and active Ambassador, Victoria Ridge, owner and manager of Togo’s at Greenback Square, received this year’s Ambassador’s Award.
Outgoing Board Chair, Johnnise Downs with Republic Services, recognized Rosa Umbach, Board Member and Education Committee Chair, with the Chairperson Award. This award is presented to the Board member who had the biggest impact during Chair’s year-long term. Rosa has been a Board member since 2014.
In attendance were several 2017-18 Best of Citrus Heights winners who were recognized last July at the Best of Citrus Heights Awards Luncheon.
Incoming Board Chair, Amanda Blackwood, owner of OE Consulting Group, initiated her term with words of encouragement and optimism for the future of the Chamber, the community and the businesses in the City. Special guest, Courtney Dempsey, host of Good Day Sacramento, emceed the event.