Rocklin honors 2024 Ruhkala Community Service Award recipients

The Rocklin City Council recognized two organizations and two individuals for this year's Ruhkala Community Service Awards at its April 23 meeting. The Ruhkala Community Service Awards recognize exemplary service efforts annually in Rocklin since 1999. The awards were created in 1998 to honor Roy and Peggy Ruhkala, who provided service to Rocklin for more than 40 years. The 2024 recipients include: ·&emsp;Robin Trimble: Individual Honoree ·&emsp;Leadership Rocklin: Service Organization Honoree ·&emsp;Boy Scouts of America: Youth Honoree ·&emsp;David Baker: Pioneer Honoree Trimble has served as CEO of the Rocklin Chamber of Commerce for nearly 19 years. Trimble oversees all facets of the organization, including staff management, government relations, fundraising, member recruitment and the operating budget. She has increased memberships to 575, making it the second-largest chamber in Placer County. She has solidified the Chamber's financial position, increasing annual corporate support by more then 500 percent, and is in charge of organizing the Hot Chili, Cool Cars event year after year. "This is an amazing honor to receive the Ruhkala Award," Trimble said. "I am proud to be a part of a community that values families and their business community. I will never forget this evening, and I am truly very grateful." Mayor Greg Janda sang Trimble's praises while presenting her with the award. "Robin's tireless energy, bright personality and friendly demeanor has contributed greatly to the Chamber's success," Janda said. "Robin brings to her leadership position an in-depth knowledge of the community and 28 years of corporate leadership and management." The Leadership Rocklin program was established in 2003 and was designated toward training and assisting business owners in developing and refining their leadership skills. In addition, the program was formed to provide an opportunity to connect and establish long-lasting relationships with community leaders. More than 450 graduates have emerged from the program, with several of Rocklin's current councilmembers being graduates as well. "The thing that has really struck me about Leadership Rocklin is that I am hard-pressed to find another program that really connects as many facets of life, individuals and businesses as this program," said Susan Wilson, Community Recognition Commission Chair. "Truly, Leadership Rocklin is responsible for bringing up such a diverse group of professional and community leaders together. I am just inspired by it." Wilson, a Leadership Rocklin graduate, accepted the award on behalf of the program. "Each graduating class of this program has truly left an indelible impact, highlighting contributions to our community through Leadership Rocklin," she said. Councilmember Ken Broadway honored the volunteerism of several Rocklin Boy Scout groups, including members of Troop 219, Pack 29 and Troop 29. "Their dedication to learning, their service to our community and their growth is courageous and commendable and certainly deserving of this recognition," Broadway said. "This group of scouts have been extremely active in our community. They have been a part of the Adopt-A-Creek program since 2001 and have managed two greenbelts in our community. Additionally, this group has actively coordinated an Oak Tree restoration program with city staff." David Baker is the driving force behind the preservation of Rocklin's historic artifacts and buildings, including the History Museum. Baker was instrumental in the establishment of the Rocklin Tree Lighting, the preservation of St. Mary's Chapel and has been a strong advocate in recognizing Chinese and Native American residents in Rocklin history. Councilmember Jill Gayaldo presented David with his award. "The Pioneer Award is near and dear to my heart. David, we have all benefited from everything you have done for the city, and it is my honor to present this award for all your efforts towards Rocklin," Gayaldo said.