Press Contact: Juliana Bunim, SF Chamber, (415) 310-8180, jbunim@sfchamber.com
SAN FRANCISCO – Nearly 1000 business and community leaders gathered under the big top last night to celebrate the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s 25th annual Excellence in Business (Ebbies) Awards and to enjoy a private performance of Cirque du Soleil’s latest show, LUZIA.
A quarter century ago the Chamber created the Ebbies to honor San Francisco businesses for their innovation, to celebrate their vision, and publicly appreciate their contributions to their employees and our community.
“A healthy economy depends on a diverse economy that includes a wide range of industries and businesses employing workers of all backgrounds, professions and skill levels,” said Mario Alioto, chair of the board of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and executive vice president of business operations at the San Francisco Giants, while addressing the crowd. “Tonight we recognize companies and individuals that reflect our City’s vast geographical, professional and individual differences. But together we are the collective engine fueling our local economy, keeping our city strong and helping to create a culture that is so uniquely San Francisco.”
This year, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce decided to turn their traditional Ebbies event on its head, tossing out the seated ceremony format and opted instead for an open flow gala under the Big Top.
Presented by Bank of America, Franco Finn the hype man for the Golden State Warriors served as master of ceremonies wearing a vibrant blue and red Cirque du Soleil costume and keeping the show funny and entertaining, while guests nibbled on cantina fare style food enjoyed an open bar.
Following the awards presentation, guests were treated to a private preview of LUZIA, Chamber member Cirque du Soleil’s latest performance inspired by a waking dream in Mexico. The show officially opens to the public on November 17.
“I’m so proud to be part of this community, and part of the Chamber which since 1850 has been providing leadership on issues important to business,” said Alioto. “And now the Chamber will continue to lead, playing critical role advocating for policies that create sustainable economic growth and protect the values that make San Francisco so great.”
WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S EBBIES AWARDS INCLUDE:
BUILDING SF AWARD
San Francisco Shipyard – A FIVEPOINT Community
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
STARTUP OF THE YEAR AWARD
INNOVATION THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AWARD
BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Jeanine Cotter
SMALL BUSINESS AWARD
UP AND COMING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Halle Ortiz
BETTER TOGETHER: PARTNERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Casa Lucas
COGNITIVE BUSINESS AWARD
GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD
More information on the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the Ebbies is available at www.SFChamber.com.
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Founded in 1850, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the preeminent business organization for advocacy, networking and economic growth. The Chamber delivers on its mission to attract, develop and retain business in San Francisco by representing companies and organizations that make San Francisco a preferred destination for businesses and visitors.