BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Companies who exhibit financial stewardship, active involvement in community organizations, participation in local events and lending resources are considered for this award. This award is announced annually at the State of the City Luncheon.
2019 Business of the Year: PinnacleART
PinnacleART, a Chamber member since 2011, has been involved in sponsoring various events, serving on the board of directors and supporting Impact Pasadena. Chambers focus on economic development and this company has certainly contributed to the economic wellbeing of Pasadena through its 18-acre campus with more than 900 employees and a successful intern program. Not only do they commit to making the world reliable through the services they offer, they are committed to serving the community through partnerships with local food banks, PISD science fairs and global children’s initiatives.
INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR
Industry plays a major role in the economic development and growth of Pasadena. Recipients of this award exemplify characteristics of involvement in charitable organizations, community projects, and positively impacting the business community. Award winners focus on safety, environmental and quality control standards. This award is recognized annually at the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce’s Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament & Luncheon each spring.
2019 Industry of the Year: Waste Management
Waste Management actively supports many Chamber events and community projects and celebrations. Extending their service to these special events, helping to host them or providing employee volunteers, Waste Management, a national top employer and an award-winning steward of our environment, is involved in activities that help make Pasadena a safer and stronger place to live, work and play.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
The Citizen of the Year is the highest award given to one individual annually. The person receiving this award is someone who exhibits a level of dedication and contributions to Pasadena above and beyond the call of duty. This prestigious award is presented at the Chamber’s gala each year.
2019 Citizen of the Year:
Sherry Bufkin was raised in Pasadena and has always had a heart to serve. A determined spirit combined with a willingness to do whatever is asked makes her the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. She has volunteered with the Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo since the 70’s. She is an active member of the Pasadena Rotary Club and attends Life Bridge Baptist Church of Deer Park. Sherry and her husband Roy hosted their Winter Wonderland Christmas for 25 years as a gift to the community. She has been a part of the banking community for over 47 years and has used her career as a platform to benefit area students. As a proud representative of Allegiance Bank, Sherry has continued to serve through her involvement with the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
Starting out many years ago as a volunteer, Sherry has served on every committee for every major event with the Pasadena Chamber. She has given of her time, talent and treasure to ensure events like the Annual Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament and Taste of the Town are a success. Sherry works tirelessly to recruit the sponsors and contributors that are vital to the success of these events and more. Shery has long epitomized her motto, “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer” and for that we are all truly grateful.
The Spirit of Community Award 2019
Honoring a Chamber member nonprofit organization or church annually, that intentionally invests time and resources in our community and Chamber. The recipient should demonstrate the action required to create awareness around the needs of others and take steps to meet those needs through education, connections and service.
Neighborhood Network
Neighborhood Network is working to build new neighborhood organizations and partnering with existing organizations to share ideas and resources. They are the driving force behind Pasadena’s National Night Out. Their newest initiative, Team Up to Clean Up, is designed to assist elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners with small exterior home repairs, trash removal and landscaping providing almost $70,000 in home improvements. They are a Can Do Food Drive partner and work closely with the Mayor’s office and Code Enforcement to identify unkept or underutilized city owned buildings striving to rid our neighborhoods of these eyesores making Pasadena beautiful one project at a time.