As a community business bank based in the Capitol Region, we spend a lot of time talking about what is happening in and around Sacramento. Since we opened the Redding Business Office in 2008, Five Star Bank has made some great strides in the Northern Valley including Shasta, Tehama, and Butte Counties. North Valley Region President Eric Woodstrom guests blogs this week about some of the great things going on in the Chico(Butte County) market.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Chico Economic Planning Corporation’s (CEPCO) 27th Annual Excellence in Business Awards. I have to tell you, it was a great event. Now you can say that about many of the business events we attend each year, but this one had an energy and excitement that stuck with me.
The award ceremony took place in the Bell Auditorium at CSU, Chico and showcased several local business success stories in industries as diverse as technology, software development, manufacturing, agriculture, education and health care. Among other awards Chico Bag was honored with the “CEPCO Game Changer Award”, Fifth Sun with the “Excellence in Manufacturing Award”, Brian Pierce was honored with “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” and Digital Path, College Scheduler and Maisie Jane’s with the “GLOBIE Businesses to Watch Awards”. The difference at this event was, not only were past success celebrated, there was real energy on the spirit of 
possibility… of a very real and bright future for the region. It was refreshing to be among a group who were looking ahead instead of focusing on the economic gloom and doom that is all too easy to get caught up in. It is evident that this region is making things happen. From light manufacturing to software design and development, I observed youthful energy and optimism, and a can-do attitude that will need to be present in all industries as we move forward into a recovering economy.
Perhaps the reason this evening had such an impact on me is that this positive energy and focus on what’s possible is what’s at the core of Five Star Bank. We are a can-do organization. We get things done. As 2011 draws to a close, I am energized and ready to tackle the challenges of 2012 with a renewed enthusiasm. Really, we all are at Five Star Bank. I hope you are too.
Eric Woodstrom
North Valley Region President
