2026 Business Persons of the Year - Owners of Sideboard Lafayette, Erin and Ford Andrews!
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 PR ABOUT THE EVENT
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.
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