)	CONGRATS MAHESH NIHALANI CITIZEN of The YEAR- Cupertino

Cupertino City Awards Indian-American- CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2007!
Sam Rao Cupertino, California:
As the entire room serenaded Mahesh Nihalani wishing him a ‘Happy Birthday’, the Nihalani family celebrated one more precious event on the same date, the award of Citizen of the Year 2007 award to Mahesh Nihalani.
In the presence of all city leaders and business community, on Saturday March 31st at the prestigious Cypress Hotel in Cupertino- along with nearly 200 guests in an exclusive invitee only soiree. This is the first such award to an Indian-American resident of the City of Cupertino and is hailed by the community as being the most prestigious of its kind in the City of Cupertino.
The annual STAR awards to recognize the outstanding Citizen of 2006 as well as the top small and large-sized Businesses of the Year was celebrated by a gala banquet by the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce.
“The criteria for selection are based on significant service, teamwork and achievements of the nominee. The purpose of the STAR Award is to recognize a local business or citizen whose contributions have made a significant and beneficial impact on the Cupertino community” explained Cupertino Chamber CEO Christine Giusiana. The prestigious awards were given to Citizen of the Year: Lauralee Sorensen, Retired Nurse; Mahesh Nihalani of Jewels In Style. Small Business of the Year Alotta’s Delicatessen & Catering, and the Large Business of the Year Stevens Creek Quarry, Inc. and Chamber Ambassador Volunteer Diane Renna.
The City of Cupertino population 55,000 has about 50% Asian-American population, with nearly 12% Indian-Americans. The City is very uniquely placed with a hefty representation of High Tech businesses including Apple Computer, Hewlett-Packard etc as well as a good mix of small businesses. The ethnic composition has changed distinctly in the past to decades, making Cupertino one of growing “minority-majority” cities- with immigrant and minority communities making up the majority in the community.
City Councilmember Orrin Mahoney introduced Mahesh Nihalani sharing with the audience that Mahesh has degree in Public admin and Economics and came to USA in 1994 having worked in Africa for several years. Mahoney said that Mahesh had worked as Project Manager at St Thomas Virgin Islands, when he transited to a new career in gemstones and jewelry design. Coming to Cupertino in 2000, in a short while, Mahesh made a lot of impact t in the local community which was appreciated by all sectors of the community
Laying out his long list of achievements, Council Mahoney pointed out that Mahesh had graduated from Leadership Cupertino a training program after which, he undertook CERT certification- a Community emergency response traiuni8ng program, became a block leader and member of the Community services Task Forces in short order.
From a business community point of view, he was chosen as a Executive committee member of the Asian American Business Council in 2001, when he introduced the Diwali Festival of Lights in 2003.- which has been hailed as one of the most successful community engagement events in the area.
‘In his spare time, Mahesh also helped with the Library commission, Housing commission and served as on the Senior Citizen Center’s 25th Anniversary celebrations” joked Mahoney, adding that Mahesh also was noted for his contributions as an advisor to the Organization of Special needs Families (OSF) and the California Cricket Academy (CCA).”
Mahesh who was earlier honored as an “Asian American Hero” in 2005 and also the recipient of the 2004 Community Bridge Award thanked his wife Kamal, whom he called his most precious Jewel” and also his sons Rahul (20) and Gaurav (17)- who have now taken a cue in working with various organizations in the community like InterAct- a youth wing of Rotary International and OSF Sports wing.
Mahesh thanked the community for the confidence reposed in him and was humbled to be considered worthy of the awards which he said was possible only because e of the Love and respect shown for him and his family in the community.
“He has accomplished a lot in (such) a short time, this is impressive and worthy of the recognition. It tells you that Indian-Americans can excel and contribute to the community in any field and especially when a community gives them an opportunity. This is the first such award given to an Indian-American,” said Shashi and Ram Gopal who attended the exclusive event.
The Cupertino Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit business association that was founded in 1954. The mission of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce is to promote and enhance the business environment and economic climate of the Cupertino community.
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