Cypress Mayor Rob Johnson delivered his State of the City Address and presented Business of the Year awards at the Cypress Community Center on Jan. 21.
Mayor Johnson’s speech recounted many of Cypress’ strengths including a 17 percent year-over-year drop in serious crime as well as a vibrant, thriving business base with strong leadership and city management reflected in the city’s conservative fiscal policies and prudent budgeting.
In 2014 the City of Cypress was ranked as the eighth best place to raise a family in Southern California by an online financial advice website.
Johnson’s address focused on the long-standing tradition of dedicated volunteerism in Cypress. He highlighted residents and community volunteers from the Cypress Senior Center, the Cypress Community Festival Association and other groups such as the Friends of Cypress Recreation & Parks, Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club.
“Corporate volunteerism is also alive and well in Cypress,” said Johnson who recognized Van’s volunteer efforts and Bandai’s generous contributions to community non-profit groups. Johnson also recounted his work on the Habitat for Humanity project in Cypress, and thanked Habitat for its efforts to provide homes to deserving families.
He commended the various groups of volunteers that support city services. The Volunteers in Policing (VIP), Chaplains, and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) contributed more than 4,000 hours in 2014.
“I would like to thank these volunteers for their efforts,” said Johnson. “They contribute immensely to the overall safety of the community and save thousands of taxpayer dollars.”
Three businesses were honored during the event with the Annual BRACE, AGENT, and SPIRIT Business of the Year Awards. Additionally, Johnson awarded a special recognition to Yamaha Motor Corporation in honor of their 35th anniversary in Cypress.
The recipient of the BRACE Business of the Year Award was Los Alamitos Race Course. In attendance to receive the award was Dr. Edward Allred.
Los Alamitos Race Course recently expanded its operations to include thoroughbred racing and brought fame to the community as the home of California Chrome, 2014 Horse of the Year and winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
Los Alamitos Race Course also contributes to the community through its annual sponsorship of the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress’ Fundraising Event and provided seed money to establish the Challenger Baseball program in Cypress.
The AGENT Business of the Year Award was awarded to SoCal Office Technologies. President David Riener was in attendance to receive the award. SoCal Office Technologies is an industry leader and has been providing document asset management solutions since 1977. SoCal Office Technologies pioneered the PrinteGration™ Workflow Assessment and has an expanding presence in the fields of digital imaging and 3D printing.
The recipient of the SPIRIT Business of the Year Award was Brain Rehabilitation and Injury Network (B.R.A.I.N.). Founder and President of B.R.A.I.N. Sue Rueb accepted the award on the organization’s behalf. B.R.A.I.N. is a non-profit organization with the mission to advance the highest level of research, recovery and residual care for adults who have sustained a brain injury. They provide services without regard for a client’s ability to pay for service.
“Clearly this is a phenomenal organization that not only services its client’s needs but also exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that we are recognizing today,” said Johnson.
He concluded the event with a presentation of special recognition to Yamaha Motor Corporation in honor of its 35th anniversary in Cypress.
Yamaha constructed its national corporate headquarters in Cypress in 1980. They were the first corporate tenant in Cypress’ business park and laid the foundation for its future development.
“I am honored to recognize the anniversary of this milestone achievement and thank Yamaha for its commitment to the Cypress community and wish them continued success,” stated Johnson.
For more information regarding the City of Cypress, the BRACE, AGENT, and SPIRIT programs, other city services for the business community, or for information on how to relocate your business to Cypress, please contact Redevelopment Project Manager Steve Clarke at 714-229-6728.
A video of the Mayor’s State of the City Address can be found on the city’s website at www.ci.cypress.ca.us.