Op-Ed: Best in Elk Grove Business Awards Are a Team Effort

At the Sept. 14 Elk Grove City Council meeting, the council passed the “Best in Elk Grove Business Awards” program. The proposal was introduced by a newly-formed volunteer committee of Elk Grove community leaders.  The awards will be presented quarterly in three categories: Neighborhood Pioneer, Exceptional Enterprise, and Green Business Champion.

“There is incredible value in bringing community leaders together, each with divergent opinions, to focus on making positive improvements in Elk Grove,” said the committee’s organizer, Councilmember Gary Davis. “I am encouraged by our swift action to support our local businesses.” 

How right Davis is. It says something when there can be a room full of people who otherwise would never be in the same room, and within two hours of their first meeting, they bring forth a proposal. Though we may not all agree on most issues, one common idea permeated that room: Caring citizens are the glue that holds communities together. 

“We all understand the critical role local businesses play in our economy, and they should be recognized for their exemplary efforts,” said committee member Norm DeYoung. 

The City of Elk Grove is clearly investing in bringing new businesses to town, with the announcement last week of .

However, business retention is just as important as recruitment. 

"In these tough economic times, it is even more imperative that we do everything we can to support our local Elk Grove businesses,” said Davis. “The awards program would provide some well deserved recognition to businesses that go above and beyond to serve our community.”

Our local government, the private and not-for-profit sectors, and our community must work together to improve the local economy. That’s why our volunteer committee wanted to involve the , the and city staff in the award selection process. We turned our proposal over to city economic development coordinator Heather Ross, who will administer the awards.

If this new leadership committee does nothing else, in one meeting we defined our roles as caring Elk Grove citizens.  What does it mean to be a caring citizen?  It means having a sense of belonging, and knowing that your voice will be valued and heard. 

In unanimously approving the Best in Elk Grove Business Awards proposal, the Elk Grove City Council did just that, and we sincerely thank them.