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The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce took some time to honor certain exceptional members of its business community last week, when it distributed its annual Community Awards.
Awards were presented at a luncheon held at the Crow Canyon Country Club March 28, where Mayor Robert Storer also gave his State of the Town address. Award winners took photographs with local and regional officials, after being presented with certificates of recognition.
“We very much appreciate the help of the (Danville area Chamber Board of Directors),” said chamber chairman Bill White. “They are all volunteers and they do a lot of work behind the scenes. And our chamber is prospering, we are growing, we are financially sound and we enjoy a great relationship with the town.”
Sponsors of the awards luncheon included the Magee Preserve, PG&E, VACO, Safeway and the Stanford Institute of Philanthropy.
Community Awards were distributed to exceptional Danville residents and organizations in seven categories: Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, New Business of the Year, Non Profit Business of the Year, Charitable Organization of the Year, Citizen of the Year and Employee of the Year.
Business of the Year — Old Towne Danville Bakery
Located in the Livery Shopping Center, 105 Town and Country Dr., the Old Towne Danville Bakery has been a staple of Danville shopping and living for 67 years according to White.
Originally founded in 1952 on a dirt road lined with trees, the bakery is currently owned and operated by the Cordeiro family, who represent the fourth family to run the spot.
The award was accepted on behalf of the bakery by its owner Karen Cordeiro.
“Customer service and treating people the way they wish to be treated is her true passion, making so many people happy is just the icing on the cake for her,” White said to equal parts laughs and groans. “Karen and her team actively support the Danville community through donations and scholarships and an infectious level of service and dedication.”
Business Person of the Year — Keva Dodd
The owner and proprietor of Whim House in Downtown Danville — a well-known gift and home furnishing supply store on 485 Hartz Ave. — Keva Dodd is an avid and active member of the Danville business community.
As a member of the Danville Economic Development Committee, Dodd has created a reputation for being collaborative and supportive of her neighbors, White explained.
“She is committed to the vibrance and vitality and growth of the Downtown district and the Danville community as a whole,” White said. “She wants success for all of the Danville business community, not just herself… she’s always looking for a win win for everybody.”
Nonprofit Business of the Year — The Thrift Station
Located at the Crossroads of Danville, 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd., the Thrift Station is dedicated to supporting the Discovery Counseling Center’s mission of providing high quality and accessible mental health services.
Managed by the Friends of Discovery, The Thrift station raises funds for the Discovery Counseling Center, by accepting donations and selling quality household items and clothing, said White.
“What makes the thrift station extra special is not just that they help financially support the discovery council center but that it is managed by friends of discovery,” he continued. “That means it is run by volunteers of the community, accepts donations from the community, re-sells goods to the community, and gives back all of those revenues to the same community to support mental health.”
The award was accepted by Jenise Falk, a member of the Discovery Counseling Center’s Board of Directors.
New Business of the Year — Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery
Providing goods to Danville residents who have a sweet tooth, Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery hasn’t been in town long, but has already left quite an impression.
“Not even a year old yet Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery … has integrated itself into the Danville community like few ever have. From the day they opened until today they continuously sell out of their delicious cupcakes on a regular basis,” White said.
Charitable Organization of the Year — Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation has been credited, by town officials and chamber members alike, as being vitally important in the town’s acquired friendship city statues with New Ross, Ireland, the ancestral home of famed playwright and former Danville resident, Eugene O’Neill.
“I’d like to recognize my colleagues on the Eugene O’Neill foundation board and the eugene O’Neill foundation advisory board,” Dan McGovern, president of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, said at the gathering.
Established in 1974, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation has committed itself to the preservation of the acclaimed playwright’s home, and promoting his legacy.
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation was also honored as a DanvilleSanRamon.com and Pleasanton Weekly Tri-Valley Hero in 2018, winning in the award’s Arts & Culture category.
Citizen of the Year — Lee Halverson
A graduate of San Ramon Valley High School class of 1965, Lee Halverson has made his mark by dedicating himself to the preservation of Danville’s history and the care of its veterans.
A military veteran himself, Lee is the treasurer for the town’s Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, a Danville Heritage Resource Commission member, and a member of the San Ramon Valley Historical Society.
“Lee is an active member of the Danville community as anyone can be i don’t see how anyone could be more active,” White said after handing Lee his award. “He is a steward of philanthropy and veteran services… A gentleman and a scholar.”
Employee of the Year — Nick Tenaza
The Town of Danville’s building maintenance specialist, Nick Tenaza, was recognized by the chamber as the town’s employee of the year, receiving the designation for his zealous commitment to maintaining Danville’s infrastructure and organizing its many events.
“Nick makes sure that the towns buildings are maintained and they are in exquisite condition,” White said. “And we want to thank him for everything he has done to support the masterful delivery of our downtown events… Nick thank you for delivering a distinguishable service level that is unwavering.”
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The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Community awards were held in conjunction with Mayor Robert Storer’s State of the Town address, at the Crow Canyon Country Club. (photo by Ryan J. Degan) -
Eugene O’Neill Foundation Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes and the organization’s President Dan McGovern, were on hand to accept the awards. (photo by Ryan J. Degan) -
From left, Danville Councilwoman Karen Stepper, Mayor Storer, Citizen of the Year Lee Halverson, Rep. Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) and Contra Costa County supervisor Candace Andersen. (photo by Ryan J. Degan) -
From left, Mayor Robert Storer and Danville’s Employee of the Year Nick Tenaza, pose with State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. (photo by Ryan J. Degan)
