Chamber honors local businesses and volunteers; sponsors underscore community ties

The Berkeley Area Chamber of Commerce presented its annual "Best of Berkeley" awards and thanked community sponsors at Thursday's State of the Cities breakfast.

Tim Murad, chamber president, announced MSU Federal Credit Union as Business of the Year, citing the credit union's sponsorship of Arts events, neighborhood and small-business grant work and community partnerships. Ian Duncanson, MSUFCU market manager, accepted the award and described the Main Street Connected grant program that helps Main Street businesses upgrade digital and technology tools.

Frank, owner and master roaster of Shisano Coffee Roasters, received Business Person of the Year for community engagement and hosting coffee-tasting workshops. Vibe Credit Union won a new volunteer award; the chamber said Vibe employees had completed just under 5,000 hours of community service through the start of the month. Tamara Powell, Berkeley branch manager and chamber treasurer, accepted the award and said Vibe focuses volunteer efforts on financial literacy, food insecurity and housing insecurity.

Sponsors recognized at the event included Rapid Restoration 24/7, which described its property-restoration services and a 60-minute response goal; MSU Federal Credit Union; CRDN and Green Lantern. Darlene Rothman, chamber executive director, thanked partners and said the chamber will continue outreach, events and membership drives including a LevelUp networking program and a discount card that benefits the Berkeley Education Foundation when purchased online.

The awards and sponsor remarks emphasized the chamber's role in connecting businesses, volunteers and schools through events such as Art Bash and the Street Art Fest.