• Celebration of Business Awards Luncheon ​June 27th, 2019

  • The event kicked off with enthusiastic networking between attendees and business exhibitors, followed by a delicious luncheon served by DoubleTree by Hilton, Newark,. Guests were then treated to a wealth of extremely useful information to help employers with their business challenges. Our speakers Daniel Newell, Director of the Ohlone Tri-Cities Career Center and Margaret Jackson, Program Director of Alameda County Small Business Development Center quickly caught the audience attention as they shared the many services available through these two agencies, from recruiting to business planning, consulting and financial assistance, accessing capital - all available here in Newark, where the organizations are housed in the Ohlone College Newark Campus. Then the excitement began, as honorees for this year's awards were announced for the very first time. The surprised faces of honorees were a highlight of the event! 

  • 2019 Award Recipients - Congratulations!

    • Distinguished Business Leader 2019 - Debbie Montes, Sales Director of Homewood Suites by Hilton
    • Small Business Award 2019 - Element Structural Engineers, founded and led by Thuy Fontelera
    • Large Business Award 2019 - Republic Services
    • Partnering for Success Award 2019 - Felix Lawrence, Owner and Principal of Correct Direct Marketing
    • "Bernie Nillo" Outstanding Service Award 2019 - Don Lee, Western Region, AVEX Group
    • Community Partner Award 2019 - Mexico Tortilla Factory
    • Sustaining Member Award 2019 - Swiss Park Newark 

  • Outstanding Leadership Award 2019 - Special award presented to Nancy D. Farber, CEO, Washington Hospital Healthcare System

    This year, the Chamber presented a special award for outstanding leadership with deep gratitude to retiring community leader Nancy D. Farber, CEO of Washington Hospital Healthcare System, whose 35 years of creative and strategic leadership has significantly changed and improved the lives of Tri-City and regional residents. Under her leadership many organizations, among them the Chamber, have been the grateful recipients year after year of the ongoing support and active participation of many WHHS leaders, and WHHS investment in our programs to serve the business community.  Nancy, we wish you a wonderful retirement and much joy in this new phase of your life and thank you for what you have given and accomplished in your career at WHHS.

  • What does each award represent?

    Distinguished Business Leader: (Debbie Montes) The recipient of this award exhibits an exceedingly high level of business standards and ethics. They demonstrate leadership, vision and community involvement, as well as proven business achievement, and concern for their work environment and opportunities and support for their employees. They foster an awareness of the Newark business community through their local, national or international business dealings outside of their core business. This award is presented each year for a body of work and accomplishments over and extended period of time, not just one year.

    Small Business Award: (Element Structural Engineering) Presented to a business of less than 25 employees, this award recognizes and honors entrepreneurship, sustainability, productivity and effort The recipient demonstrates outstanding business and employment practices; and acts in support of the small business community.

    Large Business Award:(Republic Services)  Presented to a business of more than 25 employees, this recipient contributes to employment through job stability and/or growth, and excellence in employee relations through the use of best employment practices and providing employees with support, training, mentoring and growth opportunities. The recipient exhibits excellence in community relations, in customer service and reliability; and proven business achievement/growth.

    Partnering for Success Award: (Felix Lawrence) Given to an individual. The recipient demonstrates a dedication and personal belief in the power of relationships, partnerships and collaboration. Skilled proficiency in identifying partnering opportunities, connecting individuals and organizations, and nurturing the connections at inception to achieve mutual success for the participants and to the benefit of the community.

    Outstanding Service Award: (Don Lee) Given to an individual. The recipient's persona contributions of time, energy, expertise, creativity, commitment and support on behalf of the Newark Chamber of Commerce, have made a tangible and significant positive impact to the efforts of the Newark Chamber of Commerce in fulfilling our mission and goals

    Community Partner Award: (Mexico Tortilla Factory) The recipient business or organization demonstrates a core value and business strategy of outreach, collaboration and partnering with a wide range of businesses, organizations and individuals. Provides initial and ongoing support to the development of collaborative relationships that have benefit to the community.

    Sustaining Member Award: (Swiss Park Newark) Presented to a member business or organization who has sustained their membership for 20 years or more and who, over the course of those years, through their ongoing support, involvement and active participation in the Newark Chamber, has contributed substantially to the success of the Chamber and thereby, enhanced the efforts of the Chamber's goals to create a strong local economy and community.

  • The "Bernie Nillo" Outstanding Service Award, in Memory of our Friend Bernie

    Newark was hit with a deep loss recently with the unexpected passing of Bernie Nillo, a dear friend and huge supporter to so many of us across the community, that there are very few of us who weren't touched by Bernie. His joy in helping others and his dedicated sincere commitment to civic activism was there for everyone to see, evidenced by the long list of different organizations, agencies and philanthropic efforts that all benefited from his participation. He said yes...and yes...and yes, when asked for help. His smile was irresistible. and always accompanied by his Hawaiian shaka  - that image that will stay with us always. He will be missed, and missed, and missed. His friendship, and his service to the Chamber will not be forgotten, and so we hope, in some small way, to honor him by naming our Outstanding Service Award the "Bernie Nillo" Outstanding Service Award, standing as an example of what one individual can do to make a difference in the world. Thank you for everything, Bernie.

  • Connect. Grow. Prosper. Belong!