Annual Community Recognition Gala
Thursday, April 3, 2025
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Historic Cocoanut Grove, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce Proudly Presents our Annual Recognition Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and inspiration at this year’s annual Gala, hosted in the iconic Cocoanut Grove. This highly anticipated event will be brimming with excitement and heartfelt appreciation as we come together to honor the remarkable contributions of our community leaders. Don’t miss your chance to secure a seat at this special occasion—raise a glass, share in the joy, and applaud the achievements of our distinguished award winners!
2024 was a year of resilience and collaboration as Santa Cruz County faced ongoing challenges and opportunities that shaped our community. From recovering from winter storms and repairing critical infrastructure, like the reopening of the Capitola Wharf, to addressing workforce shortages through affordable housing initiatives, the year highlighted the strength of partnerships between businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public sector leaders. Businesses demonstrated remarkable adaptability, navigating wildfire preparedness efforts, infrastructure upgrades along Highway 1, and the ever-evolving green economy. Tourism rebounded strongly, bringing renewed energy to local shops, restaurants, and cultural events, while key discussions about transportation and environmental regulations reflected the community’s commitment to sustainability. In extraordinary fashion, the 2024 award recipients of the Chamber’s 106th annual celebration have weathered these challenges and made outstanding contributions that uplift individuals, businesses, and organizations alike. They exemplify humility, innovation, and bold leadership, often working quietly behind the scenes to protect, sustain, and develop the people and future of Santa Cruz County.
At our Gala Dinner on April 3, 2025, in the Cocoanut Grove ballroom we will proudly honor these distinguished community heroes as the Person of the Year, Business of the Year, Organizations of the Year, Small Business of the Year, as well as our Legacy Achievement Honoree.
We will recognize the following Awards.
Person of the Year: Congressman Jimmy Panetta, United States Representative, 19th District
Business of the Year: Santa Cruz County Bank
Organizations of the Year: Soquel Creek Water District
Small Business: Sante Adairius Rustic Ale
Lifetime (Legacy) Achievement: Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor (2013 – 2025)
2024 was a year of resilience and collaboration as Santa Cruz County faced ongoing challenges and opportunities that shaped our community. From recovering from winter storms and repairing critical infrastructure, like the reopening of the Capitola Wharf, to addressing workforce shortages through affordable housing initiatives, the year highlighted the strength of partnerships between businesses, nonprofit organizations, and public sector leaders. Businesses demonstrated remarkable adaptability, navigating wildfire preparedness efforts, infrastructure upgrades along Highway 1, and the ever-evolving green economy. Tourism rebounded strongly, bringing renewed energy to local shops, restaurants, and cultural events, while key discussions about transportation and environmental regulations reflected the community’s commitment to sustainability. In extraordinary fashion, the 2024 award recipients of the Chamber’s 106th annual celebration have weathered these challenges and made outstanding contributions that uplift individuals, businesses, and organizations alike. They exemplify humility, innovation, and bold leadership, often working quietly behind the scenes to protect, sustain, and develop the people and future of Santa Cruz County.
At our Gala Dinner on April 3, 2025, in the Cocoanut Grove ballroom we will proudly honor these distinguished community heroes as the Person of the Year, Business of the Year, Organizations of the Year, Small Business of the Year, as well as our Legacy Achievement Honoree.
We will recognize the following Awards.
Person of the Year: Congressman Jimmy Panetta, United States Representative, 19th District
Business of the Year: Santa Cruz County Bank
Organizations of the Year: Soquel Creek Water District
Small Business: Sante Adairius Rustic Ale
Lifetime (Legacy) Achievement: Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor (2013 – 2025)
Pricing
Individual Ticket
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