The Chamber Link

Press Release
February 19, 2010

DANVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS FOR 2009 EDUCATOR, BUSINESS,
CITIZEN and CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
AWARDS WHICH WERE PRESENTED AT THE
ANNUAL INSTALLATION DINNER HELD at THE BRIDGES GOLF CLUB in SAN RAMON on FEBRUARY 18.

Business Person of the Year

Guy A. Greco has been in banking for over 45 years. His career started with B of A in San Francisco, then Home Savings of America as Regional Vice President for 21 years. He was with Fremont Bank in Danville as Area Manager and currently with Heritage Bank of Commerce as Vice President and Branch Manager. He graduated from LSRV class of 2001. He has been a member of SR Rotary Club for 12 years and served as Program Chair, Director of Club Services and Club President in 2002-2003. On the Rotary District level, he was Assist. Governor for the 6 Clubs in the SRV 2007-2009 and is currently the Annual Giving Chairman for the District Rotary Foundation and also the Sub-Committee Chair for District Rotary Grants. He has been involved in the church community. He was Co-Chair of the Annual Golf tournament for 20 years, on the Parish Advisory Council as Chairman, and currently Chairman of the Finance Council. He has been very active in the DACOC, serving as Chairman of the Board in 2002, 2006 and currently on the Board of Directors. In addition, he will be the Chair for the Crow Canyon Country Club upcoming Charity Classic.

The 2009 Business Person of the Year nominees were Joe Buenavista - Merrill Lynch, Guy A. Greco - Heritage Bank, Judy Mena - Your Town Monthly.

Award presented by Bay Area News Group-East Bay/Tri-Valley Herald.

Citizen of the Year

Scott Heller has been a Danville resident for 21 years. Scott is President of Heller Jewelers, Inc., a local business that regularly provides significant financial contributions to local schools including Green Valley Elementary, Cal High, Dougherty Valley High and Monte Vista High. Scott has been a youth athletic coach for 6 years, a regular sponsor of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, a contributor to the Taylor Family Foundation and the main sponsor of the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley Annual 4 of July Parade in Danville. The Heller family has been active in the formation and construction of Temple Beth Chaim, Danville. Scott’s ongoing contributions to the Danville Area have consistently taken place over the past ten years. It is a testament to Scott’s commitment to annual charitable giving that public school activities, athletics, community services are maintained in the Danville Area Communities.

The 2009 Citizen of the Year nominees were Scott Heller - Heller Jewelers, Inc., Victor Georgiou - Danville Rotary, Greg & Sharon Schuyler - Celebrations on the Bay.

Award presented by Bay Area News Group-East Bay/Valley Times.

Educator of the Year

Connie Forslind has been a dedicated, highly respected teacher for over 38 years. She has provided so much to her students, faculty, and community. She has directed the Rancho Romero children’s chorus for over 28 years. Connie’s 2nd Grade students published 2 books to benefit the victims of the 2004 Tsunami & 2005 Hurricane. It was a great opportunity for her students to learn about making a difference in the lives of others. Her class is currently preparing to publish a book to assist the victims of the Haiti Earthquake. Connie always develops a “family of learners” atmosphere in her classroom and is beloved by students and parents for her respectful, motivating, and encouraging classroom environment. “Connie treats each child who enters her classroom as a gift. She finds and celebrates their strengths and supports them through their challenges. I love watching Connie walk around the school as children of all ages run up to her and throw their arms around her. She remembers ALL of their names and stories. She makes each and every child feel special, important and loved. Connie is a creator of school community!”

The 2009 Educator of the Year nominees were Cindy Egan/Andrew Gardner - San Ramon Valley High School, Connie Forslind - Rancho Romero Elementary, Steve Knapp - Charlotte Wood Middle School.

Award presented by The Sentinel.

Charitable Organization of the Year

San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) provides valuable support for the schools of San Ramon Valley Unified School District. SRVEF conducts fund-raisers throughout the year and then returns the proceeds directly to our schools and classrooms. The Foundation’s largest fund-raiser is the annual Primo’s Run for Education. They also partner with the San Ramon Rotary Club on their annual Christmas Tree lot and coordinate the Bridges Dinner in the Spring. Several years ago SRVEF introduced a new Major Gifts and Endowment program to provide a stable local funding source that will enable the district to undertake long-term, innovative programs to enhance the curriculum. Thanks in part to record numbers at this year’s Primo’s Run, SRVEF is contributing more than $180,000 back to local schools!

The 2009 Charitable Organization of the Year nominees were Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, San Ramon Valley Education, Kids’ Country.

Award presented by The Danville Express.


Martha Husak
Events Coordinator
Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
Ph: 925-837-4400
Fax: 925-837-5709
117 E Town & Country Drive
Danville , CA 94526
www.danvilleareachamber.com