Martha Christopher, proprietor of her own human resource, safety and risk management consulting business, The Christopher Group, was installed as Chair of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2007 Board of Directors at the recently held Installation of Officers Banquet at the Clocktower. Peter Wilson, Executive Director for the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society, serves as Vice Chair of the Board. Corrine Oakes, Agent/Broker with Hamann Real Estate, took the oath of office to serve as Vice Chair of Finance. Rounding out the Executive Committee is Immediate Past Chair of the Board, Susan Hurl, Community Affairs Manager for Allied Waste Services, Inc. Hurl highlighted the Chamber’s accomplishments during her year of leadership.

Completing the fifteen member Board of Directors for 2007 are: Eldon Petersen—Petersen Janitorial Services, Inc.; Chris Howe—Valero Refining Company-California; Frances Harkins—Grossman Financial Management; Grant Perryman—Costco Wholesale; Michael Paric—Computer Business Solutions; Jim Triplett—Amports; Jim Coniglio—Discovery Builders, Inc.; Steve McClure—State Farm Insurance; Gary Heppell—Law Offices of Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell; Brian White—White’s Graphics; and Sharon Petrellese—Austin Travel.

Tom Gavin—Gavin & Schreiner Insurance served as emcee of the annual event attended by approximately 200 City officials, business community leaders, Chamber past presidents, and dignitaries.

Following the installation, Mayor Messina assisted President & CEO Stephanie Christiansen in presenting the Business of the Year Awards to three outstanding businesses.
Our congratulations to: Miyoji Productions-Web Site Design (1-3 employee category), Baskin Robbins Benicia Store (4-24 employee category),
and Syar Industries, Inc. (25 & over category).