2026 Business Persons of the Year - Owners of Sideboard Lafayette, Erin and Ford Andrews!

 

2026 Business Persons of the Year

Congratulations Erin and Ford Andrews, owners of Sideboard Lafayette, and longtime Lafayette residents, for their selection as Lafayette’s 2026 Business Persons of the Year!

Sideboard has been a member of the Lafayette Chamber since opening in March of 2016; an ongoing community supporter of our schools and their programs such as the Acalanes ASB card program; a wonderful partner of LPIE – part of their Restaurant and Retail Program and an event supporter. Erin and Ford recently received special recognition from Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary for their continued support. Sideboard has helped All Ages Recreation Downtown host events by providing beverage cards to attendees.

Stop by, say congrats at 3535 Plaza Way, Lafayette, CA

A dinner in their honor was held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, and also included the Introduction of the 2026 Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors. SEE EVENT PHOTOS from Jeff Hyman HERE.

READ PRESS RELEASE HERE

READ PR ABOUT THE EVENT

Bay Area Telegraph

Lamorinda Patch

Lamorinda Weekly

Please note: Nominations open each year in November, and the selection is made mid-December, with a dinner following in January/February.

About Business Person of Year

The Lafayette Chamber has closed accepting nominations for the 2026 Business Person of the Year. The 2026 Business Person of the Year nomination deadline was Friday, December 5, 2025 at noon. The announcement was made early December with the dinner is tentatively scheduled for the evening of Thursday, January 29, 2026. It will include the Introduction of the 2026 Lafayette Chamber Board of Directors. Nominees were submitted to an Independent Selection Committee, composed of five voting members: the current Lafayette Chamber President, Vice-President, current recipient, and two selected Board Members, plus a staff liaison to facilitate and take notes.

Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 Business Person of the Year:

  • Must be a current Lafayette Chamber of Commerce member for at least two years.
  • Actively involved with a successful business, community organization, or nonprofit.
  • Demonstrates sustained involvement with the Chamber or other community-based organizations.
  • Supports the Chamber’s mission to promote a healthy business climate and enhance Lafayette’s quality of life.
  • Has given time, money, or energy to make Lafayette a vibrant community where people live, work, and shop.
  • Exemplifies excellence in leadership, innovation, and mentorship.
  • Actively fosters collaboration within the business and community sectors.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to environmental or social responsibility.
  • Shows resilience and adaptability in navigating challenges, contributing to the community’s continued success.
 
Former BPOY award recipients include Ed Stokes, Paul Barendregt, Dan Kelly, Barb Sorken, Dave Hill, Don Jenkins, Cynthia Murdough, Paul Bettelheim, Bob Ewen, Sereta Churchill, Ann Denny, Caesar Perales, Dennis Garrison, Scott Hampton & Wendy Tamis, Steve Cortese, Mike Heller, Mo Levich, Larry Blodgett, Tom Courtright, Larry Duson, Jay Lifson, Colleen McCormick, Brian Aiello, Leila Douglah, Andy and Wendy Scheck, Brenda Oum, Dana Green, Terry Ring, Jennifer Perlmutter, John McCormick, Tom Stack,  Hollie Lucas-Alcalay, and Nick Bozych.
 
 
Questions? Feel free to call the Lafayette Chamber at 925-284-7404.
 
 
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“We are very impressed with your Chamber. We have been members of other Chambers over the years and it’s been nothing like the experiences we’re having right out of the gate with your organization. Thank you for your great communication, follow up, and professionalism.”
– Peter Dewey, Bayview Painting

“I couldn’t have asked for a better resource than the Chamber, as I was establishing my medical practice in Lafayette. AJ, Holly, and Sara were so responsive to my questions and gave me many ideas on networking in the community. They host several events that foster community building. I honestly cannot imagine a more robust, active, and friendly chamber as this. I’m a member for life!”
– Cheruba Prabakar, Lamorinda Gynecology & Surgery

“WE LOVE THE CHAMBER! Batch and Brine has been a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce for almost six years. We value and appreciate the incredible amount of work this organization produces for our community through many events and support for each business. The networking and education of information that’s spilled out weekly for the business community is impressive. They are a helping hand in so many ways for our business community and beyond. We couldn’t be part of this community without being part of the chamber. Lafayette Chamber is one of the best organizations we’ve worked with, so don’t think twice about it, join the Chamber!” – Rolla Ghaben, Batch & Brine

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