RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - This past month of March, the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 2018 BIBA Best in Business Awards for businesses and individuals contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.

The Chamber of Commerce bases its awards on “business growth, financial health, excellence in the marketplace and contributions to the community,” said Diann H. Rogers, Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

The Micro Business Award was given to Gloria Howe Nycum and Kerry M. Shaw of Howe’s It’s Done Catering; The Small Business Award was given to Usha Datla of AlphaGraphics a graphic design, sign and banner company serving Rancho Cordova; The Medium Business Award was given to Heritage Community Credit Union.

For Large Business, Redtail Technology was awarded and recognized for its Web-based financial advising firm which interestingly incorporates in its offices a foster dog haven. The Nonprofit Award was given to The Sacramento Children’s Museum of Rancho Cordova. The Rising Star recognition was given to Fox Family Heating and Air.

This year, the Chamber introduced a new feature to their awards ceremony by establishing a Business Hall of Fame in which Curt Haven, the Director of Economic Development for the City of Rancho Cordova, and Aerojet Rocketdyne, the aerospace manufacturer, were inducted.

The retiring Haven was lauded for having turned Rancho’s tide after the Mather Air Force Base shut down over three decades ago. Assemblyman Ken Cooley attending the awards told the audience, “I know what it takes to succeed in business and what you need is a good story, and this man has it.”

Haven of 62 years of age said, “I am retiring to make room for other people and to mentor a new generation.” “I know there are some really strong business women in this place,” directing a welcoming invitation to the new leadership of the City.

Celebrating 70 years of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s history, the aerospace and defense manufacturer, with some 5,000 local employees, joined Haven in Rancho Cordova’s Business Hall of Fame.

The recognition for Ambassador of the Year award was given to Thomas L. Steinbach of Steiny’s Mobile Notary Service; Steinbach a 55 year old native of Rancho Cordova with a passion for his city has been an ambassador of the Chamber since 2015.

Steinbach is a Graduate of The Leadership Academy and heads Rancho Cordova’s HART Homeless Assisted Resource Team. Mixing passion and compassion for the community is his driving motivation. “Any person can become homeless, their car breaks down, the boss gets mad, then they get fired and lose their homes,” he explained.

The Chairman’s Award was given to the Cordova Community Council for its 60 years of service and having Rancho Cordova recognized as an ‘All American City’. Larry Stafford of the council received the award on behalf of the organization.

The Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the new additions to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2019 including: Ken Henderson, Sublime Digital Marketing Group; Hyowan Kim, KP International; Anil Kondakrindi, Sacramento Telangana Association; Krysta Malonson, Redtail Technology; and Chad Suggs, Heritage Community Credit Union.

New directors Hyowan Kim and Anil Kondakrindi were highlighted for bringing that “vital global perspective.” Recently, Rancho Cordova was recognized #1 city in building diversity in the State of California.

The Chamber also thanked those completing their service: Douglas A. Brewer (State Farm Insurance Agency), Board Chair 2016 & Director 2013-2018; Kate Malmgren (VSP), Director, 2016-2018; David Mathis (Small Business Representative), Director 2017-2018 Steve Millner (US Bank), Chair 2014 & 2015, Director, 2012-2018.

Chamber staff member Ani Salakian of Administrative and Membership Services received a touching bouquet of flowers and will be missed by the staff.