This award aimed to recognize the many services performed by the group in its support of the arts, including volunteer work, educational and appreciation service, donations to art programs at the Oakland Museum of California, and exhibitions in many business locations that helps foster the city's beautification.

According to the Oakland Arts Association, Marilyn O'Hare led the arts group for a time before her death several years ago and promoted arts programs at Children's Fairyland for more than 15 years. The Oakland Art Association, founded in 1957, is a non-profit organization, which is supported by its professional members and patrons.

Chamber Awards

• John Nelson of Murakami/Nelson for volunteer work
  
• Tay Yoshitani of the Port of Oakland, for security and other port improvements
  
• Covenant House for community service and education
  
• Marianne Dreisbach of Dreisbach Enterprises for entrepreneurship
  
• Signature Properties for residential developments
  
• Michael Morgan of the Oakland East Bay Symphony
  
• Marilyn Snider of Snider and Associates for the women-owned business she runs, which specializes in facilitating work and recording

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