SLO Chamber names its top citizen: ‘Fortunate to have her heart beating for our community’
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce has named its 2023 Citizen of the Year.
Sandi Sigurdson, “a community leader who has devoted countless hours toward our community,” was awarded the honor during the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce‘s Annual Dinner on Saturday, according to a chamber news release.
The Chamber’s most prestigious honor recognizes “unparalleled service to the community of San Luis Obispo.”
“San Luis Obispo is truly a place you want to love and you want to work for and raise kids here,” Sigurdson said upon receiving the award. “I’m so honored by the Chamber of Commerce recognition.”
Sigurdson is a longtime community leader with a hand in nearly every aspect of the region’s quality of life, including healthcare access, religious and racial tolerance, gender equality, homeless services and education. According to the release, Sigurdson has had a “profoundly positive effect” since she moved to the area nearly four decades ago.
“Sandi personifies ‘We before me,’“ Chip Visci, former Tribune publisher and former associate vice president of communication at Cal Poly, said in the release. “She thrives on helping people and works tirelessly to enhance our community’s quality of life. As an advocate, Sandi knows how to persuade and push us all to work for the greater good. She is a true servant leader.”
According to the release, Sigurdson was a key figure in gaining approval for various campaigns, such as public school facility funding, green space preservation and improved city and county services.
She’s also served on the San Luis Obispo Planning Commission, and been involved with a number of local organizations, including R.A.C.E. Matters SLO, the SLO County Arts Council, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and The Women’s Legacy Fund, the release said.
“Not only is she the first person to raise her hand for tough assignments, but she also sets a path we all can follow,” 1996 Citizen of the Year Maggie Cox said in the release. “Sandi is kind and caring, fiercely passionate and committed, and it’s all wrapped up in a wicked sense of humor. SLO is so fortunate to have her heart beating for our community.”
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