In Memorium – Irma Anderson: Beloved Mayor, Councilmember, Resident
Richmond Mayor 2001-2006, Irma Anderson, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Irmas was 93 years old and leaves a legacy of community service, strong leadership, and lasting results for the City of Richmond.
Many may not know, but Irma was married to Rev. Booker T. Anderson Jr, who was himself Mayor of Richmond from 1973-1974; he was also a significant contributor to the civil rights movement and met with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Richmond.
Irma was a strong and effective leader. Irma was a member of the Richmond City Council for 33 years, from 1990 – 2023 and was Mayor of Richmond from 2001 – 2006. Irma was a force to be reckoned with – she was smart, well spoken, focused and had a clear vision. Irma had an undergraduate degree from Cornell and a Masters degree from UC Berkeley, both of which contributed to her strengths and her results. Irma was a strong leader who was effective in bringing projects to completion, including affordable housing Irma’s effectiveness was based in her ability to persuade and her ability to make a person feel good about what they were doing for Richmond and for their support of Irma.
Irma had many firsts to add to her legacy, including:
- First African American Director of Public Health Nursing for Contra Costa County
- First African American Female Richmond City Councilmember
- First African American Female Mayor of the City of Richmond
Irma was loved by all and she loved the City of Richmond and its residents. Irmas will be greatly missed and the Council of Business and Industries offers both its thanks and its condolences to Irma’s family. We are lucky to have known and worked with her and the City of Richmond is blessed with her legacy of public service.
New Year Greetings and Exciting Changes at the Council of Business and Industries
Dear Member Businesses, Partners and Community Leaders
Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to 2023, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support and participation in the Council of Business and Industries (COI). Your commitment to our shared mission of enhancing economic and employment opportunities in the region has been instrumental in our successes.
Reflecting on the past year, we faced numerous challenges and embraced various opportunities together. I’m proud to share some of our accomplishments, including providing valuable information on business license taxes, assisting in realistic tax classifications, and welcoming new members like Moxion Power, Raven SR, and PGE.
Our engagement in city-driven programs and committees, such as the Green/Blue Jobs Committee, alternative energy business meetings, and ribbon cuttings for local businesses, has strengthened our ties with the community. Additionally, our collaboration with Congressman Garamendi, Assemblymember Wicks, and the City of Richmond Workforce Development Board, as well as participation in the County’s general plan discussions, has kept us well-connected to local, regional, and federal opportunities.
I am excited to announce a significant change within our organization. After 20 wonderful years with the Council of Business and Industries, I believe it is the right time for me to pass the baton. I am confident in the capable hands of Mr. Rauly Butler, our new Executive Director, who brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Mechanics Bank.
Please join me in welcoming Rauly to this pivotal role. His contact information is Rauly@councilofindustries.com, and you can reach him at (510)215-9325. Ms. Desiree Heveroh will continue to support the business as the Office Manager, and her new email contact is Info@councilofindustries.com.
As we embark on this new chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside each of you. The Council of Business and Industries will undoubtedly continue to thrive under Rauly’s leadership.
Wishing you all a prosperous and joyous New Year. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Cheers,
Katrinka Ruk Outgoing Executive Director Council of Business and Industries kpruk@sbcglobal.net (510)260-4820
Guidance to Vehicle Owners on Upcoming Requirements within Clean Truck Check
2023 and 2024 Calendar Year
The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) has posted guidance to vehicle owners on upcoming requirements and compliance deadlines in Clean Truck Check, formerly known as the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance (HD I/M) regulation. This guidance provides further information about the timing of these upcoming Reporting Requirements and Compliance Fee Payments in 2023 and Periodic Testing Requirements in 2024 to assist vehicle owners in their planning efforts. requirements.
June 2023 Guidance to Vehicle Owners on Upcoming Requirements | California Air Resources Board
Council of Business & Industry Mission Statement
The West Contra Costa County Council of Business & Industries is the regional advocate and member resource for business and industry that strengthens the local economy and improves the quality of life by working collaboratively with all stakeholders.
This mission is accomplished by:
- Serving as a forum for members, helping in the exchange of ideas, viewpoints and solutions to challenges.
- Increasing exposure through education of COI members and community stakeholders on the positive economic impact COI members have on the region
- Developing partnerships with industry, building trades, public agencies and community groups to enhance the local economy
- Building relationships and taking a leadership role in working proactively with elected officials on identifying and shaping policies that strengthen the local economy.
- Taking a leadership role in working proactively on identifying and developing regional policies that strengthen the local economy