In the Spirit of Giving: Nine Business Leaders Honored for Their Contributions

In the Spirit of Giving: Nine Business Leaders Honored for Their Contributions
By Richard Bammer
Posted: 12/04/2008

A collective pat on the back for kindness, volunteerism, supporting local towns and cities, business and personal achievement -- not more unrelenting news about the global economy in turmoil -- was on the menu besides steak, chicken and vegetables at the Spirit of Solano awards luncheon Wednesday at Travis Air Force Base.

Nine people and their businesses, each nominated by area chambers of commerce, were recognized at the 13th annual ceremony, which honors not only the chambers but also businesses which embody "the true spirit of Solano," said David Robinson, senior vice president of the banking division at Westamerica Bank, the event sponsor.

While the downshifting economy has taken its toll on businesses and people, it "cannot take our location away from us -- a place of outstanding citizens giving back," said Michael Ammann, president of the Solano Economic Development Corporation.

Vacaville chamber president and CEO Gary Tatum introduced Tom Phillippi, owner of Phillippi Engineering Inc., as this year's Vacaville recipient.

A Pittsburgh, Pa., native, Phillippi, the designer of Downtown Vacaville's Three Flags Monument who recently celebrated his 25th year in business, has "a strong sense of duty to the business community," Tatum said.

Phillippi, he added, is a person noted for his "integrity, high business standards and fights for what's right."

Tatum also noted that Phillippi was instrumental in the passage of state Senate Bill 1608, which provides protection for businesses from frivolous lawsuits that claim violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Looking out at more than 300 people gathered in the base's Delta Breeze Club, Phillippi, a former director of the chamber board of directors, said, "Giving back to the community is what we do."

The Vallejo chamber honored Jack Anthony, owner of Jack Anthony's 7 Flags Car Wash, who also developed a program called Helping Hands, which helps to raise money for Vallejo charities and nonprofit groups.

Anthony, whose parents started the business 56 years ago, said it is important for people to seize opportunities when they arise, especially during challenging economic downturns.

Other recipients were Alan Schwartzman of Benicia, a Realtor with Advanced Mortgage Services and a Benicia city councilman; Dixon businessman Rob Salaber, owner of Salaber and Associates, who has contributed to city events such as Lambtown USA, the Dixon May Fair Parade and also to Dixon athletics programs; and Paul Andersen of Rio Vista, an employee of Rosetta Resources Inc., an oil and natural gas company in Rio Vista, who has supported the Rio Vista Bass Festival.

Also recognized were Gregoria M. Torres of Vallejo, a real estate agent with ARS Realty and Mortgage of Vallejo, the current treasurer of the Vallejo chamber and an organizer of a pending humanitarian medical mission; and Feysan Lodde of Fairfield, owner of MV Transportation, one of the largest U.S. providers of transit services for the elderly and disabled.

Lodde noted that one of her "proudest moments" as a business owner was sending 50 vans to post-Katrina New Orleans to evacuate distressed people.

"Kindness is something we all need," Lodde said.

Among others honored were Peggy Cohen-Thompson of Vallejo, a broker with Prestige Realty of Vallejo and the first president of the Vallejo Business Alliance; and Rene Villalta, publisher of La Voz Hispana magazine.