By Richard Pagano, CEO, Antioch Chamber of Commerce

Located in historic downtown Antioch, the Rivertown business district is settled along the San Joaquin River at the entrance to the California Delta.

From boutique shops like G St. Mercantile and Bella’s Vintage House, to restaurants like Southern Café and Solid Rock Café, Rivertown is a beautiful place to enjoy an afternoon.

Rivertown is home to many businesses and services like Twin Rivers Insurance at the marina, and Prime Vintage Realty – located in the historic Antioch Lumber Co. building – all of which are within a short walking       distance from each other.

Rivertown has a number of fun activities for the entire family; the marina is a great place to take a kayak tour, or to fish from the pier, the Dow Wetlands Preserve’s 472 acres provides lovely trails with wildlife-viewing opportunities, and the historic El Campanil Theatre is sure to have a show you’ll enjoy.

Looking to attend an event? The Rivertown merchants host a variety of community events throughout the year! Visit https://antiochchamber.com/2020antiochrivertownevents/ to see a list of all of the upcoming events.

We’re sure you’ll fall in love with the charm of this historical part of Antioch.

VACAVILLE, CA –  Travis Credit Union announced it will award twenty $2,000 scholarships to current high school seniors bound for college in the fall of 2020. This year marks the 17th year of the scholarship program by the Vacaville-based credit union. Since the scholarship was established in 2004, the credit union has awarded more than $397,000 in scholarships.

The credit union encourages all graduating seniors to apply. Each applicant must be a high school senior with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), bound for a two–or four–year college or university and a member of Travis Credit Union in good standing. Students who live in Travis Credit Union’s twelve-county service region and are not yet members may join the credit union and apply for a scholarship at the same time.

“Credit unions were founded on the philosophy of people helping people,” says Barry Nelson, Travis Credit Union’s president and CEO. “Offering scholarships to deserving high school seniors is just one way we assist our young members with the rising cost of high education, while reinforcing our commitment to the financial success of our country’s future leaders.”

The Travis Credit Union Board of Directors established the scholarship program in 2004. The program honors the late Mary Keith Duff, who passed away in 2004. Duff was the first woman to serve on the Travis Credit Union Board of Directors.

The 2020 scholarship application is now available online at traviscu.org/scholarship or at any Travis Credit Union branch location. Completed applications must be received at the credit union by the close of business of Monday, March 2, 2020. In addition to a completed application, applicants must submit a 250-word personal statement, a certified high school transcript and a letter of reference from a teacher. The scholarships will be awarded in mid-June by the credit union.
“In the last 17 years, we have received a tremendous response from young members who have exhibited a commitment to academic excellence and community service. We look forward to recognizing even more of our deserving young members this year,” adds Nelson.

Headquartered in Vacaville, California, Travis Credit Union is a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution serving those who live or work in Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, Merced Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Yolo Counties. Currently, Travis Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union in California with more than 214,000 members and more than $3.2 billion in assets. As one of the leading financial institutions in Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, Yolo and Merced Counties, Travis Credit Union’s strength lies in its faithful commitment to its members and the community; its solid, secure history; and its long-standing track record of dedicated service.

Antioch Chamber announces annual awards; winners to be honored at annual gala, March 13

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2019 Annual Award winners:

Citizen of the Year

Lifetime Achievement – Ralph Garrow

Most Impact – Wanda Hom

Veteran of the Year

Denny Hollison, US Army Vietnam Veteran, VFW Commander

Youth of the Year

Chris Garcia, Antioch High School

Non-Profit of the Year

Fellowship Church

Business of the Year

Large/Corporate Business – Travis Credit Union

Small Business  – Rick Fuller Team

Ambassadors of the Year

Tom McNell, Edward Jones

Jose Solorio, SERVPRO of Antioch

“I’m honored but I don’t necessarily believe I deserve it. I care a lot about Antioch, so, maybe my life has reflected that,” Garrow said, when reached for comment.

Hom is the Accounting Activities Specialist for Deer Valley High School and works with the student clubs and athletics to manage all the funds they bring in.

“Oh, man, I don’t believe it,” she said with a laugh. “I’m very honored and don’t feel deserving. There are so many others in Antioch who are more deserving. But, I’m happy to highlight Deer Valley High School and all of the things we do, here.”

Asked about her activities this past year, Hom responded, “it would be our educational foundation and its support for the school and the Every 15 Minutes driving safety program.”

“The Deer Valley Educational Advancement Foundation, which was started by the parents, has been around about 14 years, supporting the school,” she explained. “This year they’ll be raising funds for the choir to pay for risers with backs on them for safety. We’re always a place for homeless and foster students providing them with supplies and materials, such as backpacks.”

Fuller offered his thanks for the honor.

“I have a lot of respect for local businesses in Antioch and it’s very humbling to featured. I’d like to give thanks to my incredible team, amazing clients and my wonderful family,” he said. “I thank the Lord for His blessing and favor on our lives.”

Fuller has had the Rick Fuller Team for over 10 years and served 250 families and about $125 million in sales, last year. He also shared they have almost 1,000 five-star online reviews and have sold over 1,000 homes in their 10 years of business.

The annual Chamber gala will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 6pm. Tickets are $75 per person, or $600 for a reserved table of eight. Purchase of gala tickets can be made online at https://antiochchamber.com/2020-inaugural-gala-and-awards-ceremony/, by calling (925) 757-1800, or emailing frontdeskadmin@antiochchamber.com. Ticket sales will end March 2, 2020 at 5pm.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Richard Pagano, CEO, Antioch Chamber of Commerce

From the Mayor’s Burrito Bowl downtown to dining at the golf course and everything in between, we’ve got the 411 on the best of Antioch’s culinary scene!

Lone Tree Golf and Event Center – As one of Antioch’s premier restaurant and event centers, Lone Tree   offers a splendid Champagne Brunch Buffet on Sundays. Start off with a glass of their house champagne or mimosa and continue with a stroll through the buffet extravaganza. And don’t miss their house-made dessert selections.

Guadalajara Taqueria – Come explore downtown and this amazing new family owned Mexican restaurant. Even the Mayor has created his own “Mayor’s Bowl,” with grilled steak over a bowl of rice, crisp greens, whole beans topped with fresh jalapeños and sour cream. You can taste the family tradition in every bite.

Hillcrest Taphouse: One of Antioch’s premier restaurants for craft beer, you’ll find everything from Porters and Stouts, to IPAs and Sours. Hillcrest Taphouse has a satisfying beer for any pallet. The wine and mixed drink selections are also not to be missed. While you’re there, try one of their   garden-fresh salads, Angus beef burgers, or homemade pizzas. For an appetizer, try the wings or Hillcrest Knots. We’re sure you’ll be a fan of how fresh their food is too. No frozen food here.

Tailgaters – If you love sports, good food, and great drinks, Tailgaters is the place for you! From tacos and sandwiches, to wraps and burgers, Tailgaters has something for everyone. Fan favorites are the veggie wrap, blackened grilled chicken breast, and the Mac Daddy Burger; a cheeseburger covered in bacon and mac and cheese bites. Their wings, fried pickles, and jalapeno     bacon poppers are a great addition to your favorite craft beer or mixed drink, while watching your favorite team play on one of their 20 TVs! Be sure to check out their daily specials and happy hour events.

Search “Restaurants” on http://www.antiochchamber.com/business-directory/ to find other great places like Celia’s Mexican Restaurant, Mac’s Old House, Solid Rock Café, Samurai, Afrique, and more!