On behalf of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, we recognize KV Hayer and SIPS The Bottle Emporium as this year’s recipient of the Spirit of Solano Award.

SIPS started as a small alcohol-based gift shop on a side street off First Street in 2022. SIPS later moved to a more prominent location at the corner of First Street & East H Street. With the historic mural on the East H Street side wall and the tasteful exterior façade of the building, this location is easy to find.

SIPS joined the Benicia Chamber in 2022 and quickly became a valuable member of the business community. Their grand opening and ribbon cutting in November 2023 had long lines of people waiting to get inside and discover Benicia’s latest gem. The variety of beer, wines and spirits far exceeds any other establishment of its kind. In addition to alcohol, there are gifts for all occasions. And if that isn’t enough, you can play golf on their golf simulator. This is an adult’s candy store.

There were two events where SIPS was instrumental in putting Benicia on the map. The June 29th promotional launch of Steph Curry’s signature bourbon Gentlemen’s Cut drew many people who lined up for hours.

The second event was the second annual Benicia Chamber Oktoberfest held in mid-September. The turnout for this event far exceeded our expectations. Their contribution was instrumental towards our very successful event.

The Benicia Chamber of Commerce is here to promote businesses in our town. We seek to collaborate and build community. SIPS The Bottle Emporium exemplifies this community spirit. It is with great pleasure that we award this year’s Spirit of Solano to KV Hayer and the entire SIPS organization.

The arrival of autumn in Dixon is something residents and visitors look forward to every year for one very important reason — it signifies the opening season for Cool Patch Pumpkins.

It boasts a spectacular pumpkin patch where families can choose from over 40 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash to take home after a fun day of farm activities including a hayride, playhouses and hay towers for children to enjoy, as well as the ever-popular giant corn bath. Cool Patch Pumpkins is known for being the Guinness Book World Record holder for the largest corn maze on the planet! Celebrating 23 years in operations this year, this family-owned farm is a world-famous attraction right in the heart of Dixon.

The Cooley family has been Dixon residents for over 70 years and began farming in 1968. Matt Cooley, a second-generation commercial farmer, began Cool Patch Pumpkins in 2001 by selling pumpkins with his family on the side of the road near his farm fields. As interest grew, so did the business. Now, Matt works alongside his kids and grandkids serving the community not only through farming but also through this incredible seasonal attraction that has put Dixon on the map.

Customers drive for hours to visit the Cool Patch maze every year and a couple even arrived by personal helicopter and landed in their parking lot! The attraction draws locals and visitors, making their business boom over the years, but also supporting businesses throughout Solano County.

Every year the corn maze delights guests by taking on a different design and theme that is meaningful and relates to world or community events. This year they honored the life of Vacaville Police Officer and Dixon Resident Matthew Bowen who was tragically killed in the line of duty. Cool Patch has a deep respect for our officers, first responders and their amazing families who sacrifice to keep our communities safe.

Cool Patch Pumpkins is focused on families having fun together. They support local schools, special needs programs, senior citizens, and the community as a whole. They host dozens of school field trips each year, team bonding trips for companies and youth groups; welcome disabled persons around the patch; and serve thousands of people every fall season.

“The family has always been farmers, and that’s really the root of why we love doing this every year — it’s something unique and different that we can do to connect with the community,” a family member said. “We don’t really get to see firsthand where most of our crops end up. But with Cool Patch, we can grow pumpkins and drive around and see them decorated on people’s front porches, and that is really special.”

Fresh Laundries is a modern, family-owned laundromat located in Fairfield that brings a refreshing approach to laundry services. Established in 2022, Fresh Laundries specializes in premium laundry and dry-cleaning services, including convenient pickup and delivery options. Following a recent remodel, Fresh Laundries has prioritized sustainability with the installation of eco-friendly machines, while continuing to provide exceptional customer care. This dedication to both quality and environmental responsibility has earned Fresh Laundries prestigious accolades, including the 2024 Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce Buzz Award for MCE Sustainable Business and the City of Fairfield Business of the Year Award.

A proud member of the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce and the Solano-Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fresh Laundries is recognized not only for its business excellence but also for its impact on the community. With a 4.8-star rating and over 300 reviews on Google, Fresh Laundries has established a reputation for delivering exceptional service in a clean, modern, and eco-friendly environment.

Fresh Laundries embodies the spirit of family values and a deep sense of community. Their commitment to sustainability, exceptional customer service, and personalized care reflects a business philosophy rooted in integrity and compassion. The dedication of the Quijano family to making a positive impact—both through eco-friendly practices and by fostering a welcoming environment—has created a space where customers feel valued and connected. Fresh Laundries is not only an inspiration to the community but also a deserving recipient of the Spirit of Solano Award, honoring their role as a trusted local business that enriches the Fairfield area with heart, dedication, and a vision for a better future.

La Guagua Latin Café is a family-owned restaurant that brings the vibrant tastes and cultures of Latin America to Suisun and Vacaville. Founded in 2020, La Guagua was born from a dream to create a welcoming space where people could experience the diversity of Latin American cuisine. Named after the word “guagua,” which means “bus” in many Latin American countries, the café invites guests to embark on a culinary journey across Latin America with each dish.

At La Guagua, patrons can enjoy a variety of traditional Latin American plates, fresh baked goods, unique drinks, and specialty coffee sourced through a partnership with Vasquez Coffee, a local San Francisco roaster known for importing premium beans from Latin America. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, La Guagua’s menu is crafted daily using carefully selected fresh ingredients, embodying the spirit of home-cooked meals shared among family and friends.

The café’s inviting atmosphere is designed for guests of all ages, offering a warm, memorable experience that makes customers feel like family. Guests at the Vacaville location can also enjoy a spacious patio, while the Suisun location features an exclusive brunch menu, both creating perfect settings for any gathering. La Guagua keeps its offerings exciting with a seasonal menu that introduces new dishes and drinks throughout the year.

La Guagua Latin Café’s dedication to celebrating Latin culture and its outstanding service have earned it a place as a beloved local business. Recognized with exceptional reviews and community support, La Guagua was awarded “The Business of the Year” for the City of Suisun at the prestigious Buzz Awards hosted by the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce. This honor, along with their commitment to family values, quality, and community engagement, make La Guagua a deserving recipient of the Spirit of Solano Award, underscoring their positive impact on the Fairfield and Vacaville communities.

C.C. Yin immigrated to the United States in 1964 when he was 28. He had $100 in his pocket, barely spoke any English and knew practically nothing about America. What he did have was an entrepreneurial spirit.

CC held a bachelor’s degree in civil and structural engineering from Taiwan Cheng Kung University, which he soon found insufficient in seeking a career. He pursued a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Washington, married his wife Regina and settled down in the Bay Area in 1969. Now, half a century later, he and his family own 30+ McDonald’s restaurants.

The Yins received the McDonald’s Golden Arch Award in 2004. For CC, the true measurement of success is shared with others seeking equal opportunities. The Yins’ generous charitable contributions, involvement and support of youth, civic, cultural, educational and political events in local communities is legendary. With the recent Covid-19 pandemic, he donated over 100,000 PPE to the local communities.

In 2001, CC, together with like-minded civic leaders, founded the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA). APAPA’s mission is to empower Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Americans through education, leadership and active participation in civic and public affairs. He is also a co-founder of the Chinese American Association of Solano County.

CC is an established entrepreneur with a heart for serving the community. The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Solano County is honored to recognize CC Yin and Yin McDonald’s as our winner of the Spirit of Solano Award for 2024.

The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Bill Dutra and The Dutra Group as their choice for Rio Vista’s 2024 Spirit of Solano Award.

Bill Dutra was raised in Rio Vista and has gone on to build a successful worldwide company. He started his career in 1961 as a deckhand and quickly became a tugboat captain, then dredge captain. In 1965, he joined the National Guard and served 2 years on active duty. In 1968, he attended college at Oregon Institute of Technology. At the age of 26 in 1972, Bill formed Dutra Construction Company.  After the Delta flood of 1972 he was tasked with repairing the Brannan/Andrus Island levee and dewatering the island. He did this in record time, earning the trust of the delta community and contracts from several water reclamation districts.

Just a few highlights….1989, his company helped repair the Bay Bridge after the Loma Prieta earthquake; in 1991, they worked on Boston's “big dig” project; in 2012, they acquired the dredge Stuyvesant that helped with major projects in the west, gulf and east coasts.

Today known as “The Dutra Group” the company employs 175 year round worldwide. The Dutra Group is a leading heavy civil marine contractor focused on strengthening our nation’s infrastructure through sustainable dredging and marine construction. It is very common to see Dutra tugs, barges and crews working throughout the Delta on projects preserving the California Delta Levee System.

In 1990, Bill was instrumental in partnering with Jim and Shirley Lira to purchase local bankrupt “Don Quick’s Supermarket” and open Lira’s Grocery Store in the heart of Rio Vista at Highway 12 and Main Street. Today the business is thriving and is the only grocery store in Rio Vista.

In Rio Vista, Bill and his family have created a stunning Museum of Dredging. The Museum shows off the history of California dredging and the Dutra family’s involvement in reclaiming the California Delta. Most recently, he assisted in acquiring Blackwelder Park for the city, which is close to the baseball fields. Many more kind deeds have gone unnoticed.

The Rio Vista Chamber appreciates the continued support of Bill and his staff at The Dutra Group for supporting the largest annual event in Rio Vista: the Bass Derby and Festival. Each year they provide a barge for fireworks. This year, in addition, they allowed the Chamber of Commerce to hold part of the Bass Festival on their waterfront property downtown. As an overall part of their participation in the Delta, The Dutra Group also provides the barge for the annual Barron Hilton fireworks display on the 4th of July at Mandeville Island.

Over the years, Bill Dutra has mentored many people, including his 3 daughters and 2 stepdaughters, who all followed in their dad’s footsteps.

The Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Bill and The Dutra Group as our winner of a Spirit of Solano Award for 2024.

Monica Winn is a standout professional in the real estate community, characterized by her dedication and proactive approach to engaging with her community.  As a committed ambassador for the Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce, she consistently lends her support and assistance.

Monica’s ongoing commitment to education is evident as she continues to earn various certifications, enhancing her ability to serve her community effectively. She specializes in helping first-time home buyers, particularly military families and veterans, demonstrating a clear focus on those in need. Through her efforts, she has successfully hosted 15 seminars, resulting in 11 families finding new homes.

Described with attributes such as helpful, faithful, kind, inclusive, and humble, Monica exemplifies what it means to be a community champion and a reliable resource for those navigating the process of buying a home.

The Solano County Black Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Monica Winn and Winn Realty as our winner of the Spirit of Solano Award for 2024.

We are proud to present Bay Hauling the 2024 Spirit of Solano Award, which honors businesses for their longevity, customer service, and community engagement. Founded on the mission "to impact the community, invest in people, and treat clients like family," Bay Hauling has become a trusted name in Solano County.

Under the leadership of Juan Vallejos, who serves as the President of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and co-founded Future Leadership Vallejo, Bay Hauling has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2024 Workforce Hero Award and Northern Region Business of the Year by the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to their professional achievements, Bay Hauling remains actively involved in community events and sponsors local sports programs, demonstrating their deep commitment to the region they serve.

The Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Juan Vallejos and Bay Hauling as our winner of the Spirit of Solano Award for 2024.

Budget Blinds of Solano County was opened by entrepreneur extraordinaire, Toni Parkhurst, in June of 2007. Budget Blinds is the largest window coverings franchise in North America with over 1,400 locations. They specialize in everything from draperies, to motorized shades, window film, wood blinds, shutters, and everything in between.

Over the years, Toni has built up the business to encompass all of Solano County and is proud to have her family now working alongside her. Her son Josh is the Lead Installer and Warehouse Manager, and daughter Alix is Director of Sales and Marketing. It’s a dream come true for Toni to work with her kids and the plan is for them to carry on the Budget Blinds brand in Solano County for years to come. Along with her actual family, Toni calls her staff of 17 her “chosen family” and is truly grateful that coming to work is a joy and something she loves doing every day!

Budget Blinds has been a member of the Vacaville Chamber for three years and in that short time has gone “all in” with their support and commitment to the Chamber. Toni is currently Chairman Elect of the Board of Directors and she encourages her team to be involved too. Members of the Budget Blinds staff serve as Chamber Ambassadors, leadership for the Young Professionals of Solano County, and participants in the Leadership Vacaville program. Budget Blinds supports numerous Chamber events, not just in Vacaville but throughout the county, through sponsorships, donations and volunteerism.

The Vacaville Chamber of Commerce is deeply thankful to have Budget Blinds of Solano County as part of our network and we congratulate them on winning a 2024 Spirit of Solano Award!

Established in 1987 under the umbrella of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce, Visit Vallejo separated from the Chamber in 1990 to become its own organization. Visit Vallejo is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism and conferences in the Vallejo area.

Its main goal is to promote the city of Vallejo as an overnight travel destination. With tourism being one of the area’s top five industries, Visit Vallejo encourages tourists to visit, shop and stay in the area. Their mission to promote the greater Vallejo area contributes to the area’s economic growth and enhances the area’s public image.

For years, Mike Browne has been at the helm of the organization as the President and CEO. He has continuously strived to keep Visit Vallejo up to date with travel trends and changes. During the pandemic years, Mike and his team brought new ways to promote staycations and safe travel. They supported their partners by coming up with promotions for local restaurants and event venues and worked with Six Flags for a safe reopening plan.

Visit Vallejo’s Board of Directors represents the diversity of the city of Vallejo. Each director brings their unique skill set and outlook to the organization, from small locally-owned hotels, distilleries, wineries, transportation, marketing and of course amusement parks. Each member of the board is dedicated to promoting Vallejo and all the city has to offer.

The outstanding work and dedication of the board and staff towards the Visit Vallejo mission has increased tourism both locally and nationally. Bringing visitors to our city and showing us why Vallejo truly is the Spirit of the Bay.

For all of this and so much more the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce is proud to select Visit Vallejo as this year’s Spirit of Solano winner. Congratulations!