Earl Chavez, assistant branch manager at the Ukiah branch of Redwood Credit Union (RCU), was recently honored with a Volunteer of the Year Award by the Ukiah Chamber of Commerce.
Presented to businesses and leaders making a difference in the community, “Celebration of Commerce” awards also went to LACO Associates for Business of the Year, Wicked Slush for New Business of the Year, Mike Mayfield for Business Person of the Year, Mendocino County Youth Project for Nonprofit of the Year, Charley Myers for Lifetime Achievement, Mendocino Book Company for Community Involved, Dharma Realm Buddhist University for Beautification, and Pamela’s Products for Visionary Leader.
“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Chavez. “I’m thankful to be able to go out into the community and help where needed and to have an employer like Redwood Credit Union that supports those efforts.”
Chavez, who joined Redwood Credit Union in 2014, is a longtime Ukiah resident who attended Ukiah High School and Mendocino College. He supports many community activities and volunteers his time as president of the Redwood Empire Lions Club. He also serves as president of the board of directors for the Ford Street Project, which offers emergency shelters, a community food bank, substance abuse treatment, and housing assistance for low-income and homeless families.
“We’re so fortunate to have Earl in our community,” said Megan Barber Allende, CEO of the Community Foundation of Mendocino County. “He recognizes the necessity of service in our rural community and inspires his colleagues, peers, and even the next generation to follow his lead by acknowledging the contributions of others and modeling the way with wonderful enthusiasm and humility.“
Megan Barber Allende, CEO of the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Julia Siderakis, Ukiah Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, and Earl Chavez, Assistant Branch Manager, RCU Ukiah branch.