This year's recipient is Mark Ritchie, head of Ritchie Commercial, a 45-year-old, family-owned company, for his involvement in community issues and professional activities in the South Bay. In addition to his service on the ASVB board for 10 years and his past board presidency, he co-chairs the group's political action committee, helping to catalyze ASVB's involvement in both BART-to-San Jose and airport expansion issues.

Additionally, in civic affairs his leadership has brought ASVB into the South Bay community to support designated charities. Ritchie is past president and a board member of the San Jose Museum of Art, a board member of History San Jose and a past director of the San Jose Arts Stabilization Fund. Under his direction, the Ritchie Commercial Community Fund has contributed over $120,000 to South Bay non-profit organizations over the last three years.

ASVB was established in the mid-70's to promote standards of professional excellence in commercial brokerage.