Join us in congratulating our award winners by registering for the event below.
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DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Mayor John Z. Zaragoza John C. Zaragoza was elected Mayor of the City of Oxnard in 2020. John grew up in Oxnard where he lives with his wife, Mary Ellen. They have two children and five grandchildren. Throughout his decades of service to the Oxnard community, John has been instrumental in forming partnerships and collaborating with other agencies and the private sector to bring projects to fruition. As County Supervisor, he played a key role in establishing the Nyeland Acres Center, which provides after school and family services. His efforts led to the County Board of Supervisors dedicating the John C. Zaragoza Community Park in honor of his advocacy for the Nyeland Acres community. He also raised funds to prevent the closure of McGrath State Beach. As mayor, John has prioritized investment in infrastructure, business, and fiscal sustainability helping transition Oxnard from a $9.2 million structural budget deficit to adopting a balanced budget with a general fund surplus of $35 million.
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ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Heriberto & Rolando Rubalcava of Pipiripau Founded by Heriberto and Rolando Rubalcava, Pipiripau is more than just a business; it is a cultural movement that brings people together and celebrates the diversity that makes Oxnard so special. Through their intricate designs, that showcase the beauty and richness of Mexican heritage, the Rubalcava brothers have transformed Pipiripau into a cornerstone of the local community. One of the most notable contributions of Pipiripau is the El Panteón Festival, that brings the essence of Dia de los Muertos to life. With their Palomazo concert series, they provide a platform for musicians and music lovers alike to come together in an intimate setting. In a world where small businesses often struggle to make their mark, Pipiripau stands out as a shining example of passion, creativity, and community spirit.
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BEST PLACE TO WORK
City Impact City Impact is a nonprofit that strives to connect and uplift youth and families through comprehensive outreach services, dedicated mentorship, and accessible mental health support. It was voted best place to work because it feels like home to its employees. For those who love caring for youth and are committed to the betterment of the community, City Impact offers a great working environment. The dedication to nurturing and empowering youth is evident in its programs that foster personal growth and development. Working there means being part of a compassionate team that values community and positive change, making a significant impact in the lives of young people every day.
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LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Amazon OXR1 Fulfillment Center This state-of-the-art fulfillment center employs more than 2,000 Associates who work alongside 3,000 robots and 60,000 inventory pods, to pick, pack, and ship customer orders. The building footprint is over 2.3 million square-feet– the equivalent of more than 40 football fields, and contains four levels of robotic floors with enough structural steel to build the Eiffel Tower twice. The team has partnered with local organizations on several community initiatives and volunteered over 1,000 hours locally. These causes include Food Share, Gabriel's House, and Tails of Valor's Military Animal Project. Along with competitive pay, Amazon offers a range of great benefits that support employees and eligible family members, including educational and other resources that promote health and well-being.
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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Aswell Trophy Aswell Trophy is a local business that offers house engraving, etching, laser engraving, silk screening, and embroidery. It is a long time member of the WVCBA and the Oxnard business community. Trevor, Kevin, Joel, Cyndy, Ingrid, and all the staff are extremely helpful and courteous in dealing with customers. They go above and beyond when it comes to service. They have handled trophy, awards, and badge engraving for years for Bunnin Chevrolet of Santa Paula and Fillmore, who nominated them for their dedication to customer support and satisfaction. They are an example of an established business doing the right thing and going the extra mile to serve their customers and community.
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NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Coalition for Family Harmony The Coalition for Family Harmony helps thousands of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Ventura County every year. For almost 50 years, they have worked to prevent, intervene, and educate our community on violence against other community members. They aim to create a safer, welcoming space for survivors to find healing and peace following trauma and violence. Finding resources as a victim is even more challenging for indigenous survivors of abuse, who often find themselves in a country with few legal rights, a lack of language access, and a high cost of living. As part of their model, the Coalition hires staff that speak their native languages and understand the cultural and spiritual needs of the various populations in our county who need resources and advocacy.
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COMMUNITY INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR
Manuel Herrera Manuel Herrera, or Mr. Oxnard as he is called, has worked hard to make the city a great place to live, play, and do business. He is a voice for those who want to know what is going on in Oxnard through his Facebook page, “Citizens for a Better Oxnard." It is a place to inform and engage with all of our community in an effort to realize the potential that Oxnard has to be stronger and more unified. Posts can be events, news briefs, neighborhood updates, fundraisers, business openings, and any announcements that pertain to our community. Manuel is also the host of Buenos Dias Oxnard, a podcast that invites special guests to discuss topics that are important to the residents and businesspeople of Oxnard.
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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Brittney Hendricks Brittney has worked with Visit Oxnard for six years. In this time, she has been instrumental in rebranding Oxnard into a premier travel destination and improving the perception of Oxnard to residents and visitors. She oversaw and lead the team on many major projects including a new website, the Visit Oxnard annual Visitors Guide, multiple destination reels, an annual marketing plan, and the first crisis communication plan. Visit Oxnard was awarded a $1.5 million ARPA grant with which Brittney created a “Film Oxnard” website. Additionally, she serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Communications Committee and Homelessness Advisory Committee for California Travel Association, among others.
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VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Daniel Shrubb Dan Shrubb is a retired Oxnard PD Sergeant started the DRAGG Youth Automotive Afterschool Program in 2009, which has partnered with Ventura County high schools to educate more than 500 students in a program that was originally designed to provide an alternative path to gang and graffiti related misconduct. Dan has secured funding, built partnerships with local businesses, and created job opportunities for the nearly 50% of graduates that pursue careers in the automotive industry. The students repaired and refurbished eight donated cars for the annual car giveaway to help Oxnard families in need of affordable transportation. As an Oxnard native, Dan's volunteerism exemplifies the spirit of community service. He provides guidance, support, and confidence for Oxnard and Ventura County's youth. He has made a lasting impact on hundreds of lives.
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Oxnard Trophy
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach The Oxnard Trophy recipient is chosen by the WVCBA Board of Directors and is presented to a person, business, or organization that has brought recognition to Oxnard and has bettered the community. This year, it has been awarded to Zachari Dunes of Mandalay Beach, California's only all suite oceanfront resort. Each suite is equipped with a full-sized living room, wet bar with refrigerator and microwave, dining area for four, and two separate full baths. The resort offers 23,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, including Playa Vista Lawn for a breathtaking beach-view wedding. It is also an ideal locale for teambuilding retreats and company meetings. This year, it was voted #1 Best New Hotel in the U.S. by USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards.
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Winners will be celebrated at a luncheon at Pacific View Tower Club on Thursday, August 15 at 11:30 a.m.
Sponsorships are Available!
Sponsor the 74th annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards to boost business exposure, reach new customers, and show your commitment to the community. Click below for details and contact WVCBA's Andy Conli at [email protected]
Sponsor the 74th annual Oxnard Community & Business Awards to boost business exposure, reach new customers, and show your commitment to the community. Click below for details and contact WVCBA's Andy Conli at [email protected]