Plans are now underway for the Chamber's annual Installation of Officers Banquet and Business of the Year Awards which will take place at Benicia's historic Clocktower on Friday, January 23, 2009. The annual event is attended by City officials, business community leaders, Chamber Past Presidents, and dignitaries. We anticipate over 175 people to attend this popular event.

Jimmy Triplett, Amports, has been elected to serve as the 2009 Chairman of the Board of Directors. Rod Sherry, Cullen-Sherry & Associates, Inc., will serve as Vice Chair of the Board. Gary Heppell, Law Firm of Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti, & Heppell, will take the oath of office to serve as Vice Chair of Finance.

Completing the fifteen member Board of Directors for 2009 are:

Past Chair, Martha Christopher - The Christopher Group
Eldon Petersen - Petersen Janitorial Services, Inc.
Tom Gavin - Gavin and Schreiner Insurance, Inc.
Susan Hurl - Allied Waste Services
Chris Howe - Valero Refining Company-California
Grant Perryman - Costco Wholesale
Michael Paric - Computer Business Solutions
Frances Harkins - Grossman Financial Management
Brian White - White's Graphics
Steve McClure - State Farm Insurance
Jim Coniglio - Discovery Builders, Inc.
Steve Moore - Pacific Rim Recycling

Following the installation program, Business of the Year Awards will be presented to outstanding businesses. Deanline for nominations is Friday, January 9, 2009. Contact Chamber staff at 707-745-2120 or beniciachamber@aol.com for nomination forms. Self-nominations are encouraged.