Charitable Solano companies commended

Charitable companies commended
Nine Solano firms are recognized by chambers of commerce for their community contributions.
By Amanda Janis/Business Editor
TheReporter.Com
Article Launched:12/08/2006 06:41:49 AM PST

Businesses that give back to the community were spotlighted Thursday, at the 11th annual Spirit of Solano Awards hosted by Westamerica Bancorporation.
More than 300 local business and community leaders gathered at Travis Air Force Base's Delta Breeze Club to honor nine businesses selected by the county's chambers of commerce.

The awards luncheon is a chance to celebrate "the cooperative spirit in Solano County," said David Payne, chairman, president and chief executive officer at Westamerica. And, he added, it's a "demonstration of the vitality that keeps driving Solano County forward."

Mike Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation, agreed. Those being honored, he said, are vital community volunteers. Often, he said, "things go by so fast that we don't recognize what, together, we've accomplished."

An abundance of achievements and community service actions were acknowledged as honorees were introduced by respective chambers.

Gateway Professional Insurance, owned by Cathy Spencer, was selected by the Vacaville chamber based upon its commitment both to the chamber and the community, including involvement in community events, volunteerism and charitable donations.

"I didn't realize we were doing anything above and beyond - I just thought it was our goal in the chamber," said Spencer, who thanked her staff and clients for enabling her contributions.

Another Vacaville-based business, Network Solutions, was honored by the Benicia chamber. Founder Vern Sandusky gave special thanks to the Solano College Small Business Development Center for helping him start the business and advising him over the years.

The Filipino-American chamber honored Vallejo's ARS Realty & Financial Services, owned by Vallejo City Councilman Hermie R. Sunga.

"A business that only makes money is a poor kind of business," Sunga said.

Dixon's chamber of commerce nominated Grand Rental Station, owned by Ken and Keri Mistler; the Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce selected 1st Credential Mortgage, owned by Juan Craig; and Fairfield's Sir Speedy Printing, owned by Mark Hostler, was honored by the Fairfield-Suisun chamber.

Additionally, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Solano County nominated U.S. Bank's Rayanne Berry; Minuteman Press, owned by Gary and Judi Salvadori, was honored by the Vallejo chamber; and Stewart Industrial Supply-Napa Auto Parts, owned by Wes and Cindy Stewart, was selected by the Rio Vista chamber.

Amanda Janis can be reached at business@thereporter.com.