California Chamber of Commerce Honors 20 Local Chambers and Two Small Businesses with Awards and Grants
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) announced on June 15 that it had honored 20 local chambers of commerce with its 2026 President’s Circle Award, named the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce as Chamber of the Year, and awarded $5,000 grants to two small businesses at its California Business Outlook and Dinner held on June 10 in Sacramento.
The President’s Circle Award recognizes chambers that have shown excellence in advocacy and collaboration with CalChamber on issues important to California businesses. The 20 recipients include the Carlsbad, Chino Valley, Corona, Greater Conejo Valley, Greater High Desert, Greater San Fernando Valley, Lake Elsinore Valley, Long Beach Area, Murrieta/Wildomar, Norwalk, Rancho Cordova Area, Roseville Area, San Diego Regional, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Simi Valley, Torrance Area, Tulare, Valley Industry and Commerce Association, and West Ventura County Business Alliance. The awardees’ leaders—ranging from presidents and CEOs to executive directors—were cited for their work in engaging with state lawmakers and ensuring diverse business voices are represented in Capitol discussions.
The Chamber of the Year award went to the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. According to the press release, the chamber was recognized for its leadership in community engagement, economic development, and advocacy. President and CEO Karen Strolia was highlighted for steering the chamber’s tech‑focused initiatives, including a digital Small Business Resource Guide, stabilizing the downtown Business Improvement District, and launching the “We Are One Marin” program that amplified underrepresented business owners.
CalChamber also presented two small‑business grants as part of its partnership with the Sacramento Host Committee. Each recipient received a $5,000 check and a CalChamber online membership valued at $499. The awardees were EcoPress Sacramento and Zavicon.
EcoPress Sacramento, founded by Sam Mejia, converts post‑consumer plastic waste into furniture and art. The press release notes that the company hosts community clean‑ups, partners with other small businesses to collect plastics, and works with schools to provide students with hands‑on sustainability education.
Zavicon, led by founder Rebecca Bean, describes itself as a “bridge to inclusion.” The Calabasas‑based firm matches qualified job candidates who have disabilities or are neurodivergent with employers. Zavicon has a network of community partners that support applicant‑employer matchmaking and plans to use the grant to expand its reach and develop an AI tool to increase job placements.
CalChamber’s awards and grants are part of the organization’s broader mission to help California businesses navigate employment laws, promote trade, and lobby for pro‑business policies. The Chamber, which represents a quarter of California’s private‑sector jobs, has long supported local chambers as a means of amplifying business concerns at the state level.
The recipients of the President’s Circle Award will continue to collaborate with CalChamber on advocacy initiatives, while the San Rafael Chamber will build on its recognized programs to further support its members. EcoPress Sacramento and Zavicon will use their grants to expand community outreach and workforce solutions, respectively. CalChamber will report on the impact of these awards and grants in future business outlooks.
