Celebrating Local Impact: Inside the GFX2023 Backyard Awards
GFX Winners: Sibros, Aumni, App Orchid Inc
Spotlight on Local Excellence: A Closer Look at the GFX2023 Backyard Awards
In a world often preoccupied with global headlines, it's refreshing to focus on the incredible work happening right in our own communities. The GFX2023 Backyard Awards Luncheon is an initiative by the Growth Factory and supported by Stoel Rives. This event was a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes making a difference in the Greater Sacramento area.
The Significance of the Backyard Awards
These awards go beyond mere recognition of success; they celebrate the dedication and impact of individuals and organizations in the Greater Sacramento region. From emerging startups to committed mentors and community builders, the Backyard Awards serve as a testament to those contributing to a brighter future for all of us.
What Sets These Awards Apart
The nomination process was open to the public, making it a truly inclusive event. The overwhelming response we received was a clear indicator of the wealth of talent and commitment in our community.
The Winners
Individual Categories
Golden Gear (Backyard Love): The winner is Rachel Zilner from Clutch, with finalists Mac Clemmens of Streamline and Brandon Robinson of Tipsy Putt.
Sage Award: Kudos to Sonny Mayugba, and a nod to finalists Kim Box and D.J. Stephan.
Corporate and Organizational Achievements
Corporate Innovation: The Sacramento Kings take the win, with SMUD and Placer Waste Management as finalists.
Ecosystem Builder: Ansync Labs wins, with the City of Roseville and City of Sacramento as noteworthy finalists.
Investment Sector
Investor of the Year: Steve Mills from DCA Capital claims the title, with Venkata Nuli and Mike Barreiro as finalists.
Startups to Watch
Breakthrough Innovation: Origin Materials wins, with Ariz Precision Medicine and Advanced Farm as finalists.
Early Stage: App Orchid takes the lead, with Onsight and Eyerate as finalists.
Growth Stage: Sibros wins, with Reviver and Nivagen Pharmaceuticals as finalists.
Exit of the Year: Aumni takes the crown.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists for their outstanding contributions. A special thank you to Stoel Rives and the Growth Factory for making this event possible. Let's continue to support and celebrate the local heroes who make the Greater Sacramento area a better place.
About Rich Foreman
Rich Foreman is the founder of KidneyLuv which develops solutions for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Patients (CKD). He is also the COO of IGH Naturals. Previously, as founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac.com. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber.
