Corte Madera honors 30-year business leader

Julie Kritzberger, the executive director of the Corte Madera Chamber of Commerce, has received a town commendation for 30 years of running the economic development organization.

“Our chamber has helped promote Corte Madera as a premier shopping attraction, a visitor destination, and a great place to live and raise a family,” Kritzberger said. “Our businesses reflect and represent the needs and desires of our ever changing and evolving community as well as our neighbors throughout the Bay Area.”

Kritzberger received the commendation during a recent Town Council meeting. Mayor Eli Beckman called her a “superhero” and credited her for reenergizing public interest in the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

“Julie’s passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on Corte Madera,” he said. “Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping a vibrant supportive and cohesive community.”

Corte Madera, with just 9,400 residents in 4 square miles, is nonetheless an outsize commercial presence in Marin because of its two large malls and smaller shopping centers along the Highway 101 corridor. The Chamber of Commerce has about 170 member businesses and organizations, according to its website.

Melissa Prandi, a former president of the chamber, was part of the team that selected Kritzberger for the position 30 years ago. Kritzberger, a native of Southern California, was chosen for her hardworking and dedicated personality, Prandi said.

“I never dreamed for a minute that she would be there some 30 years,” Prandi said. “She is a force. She has that personal touch. Most of all she is someone I am proud to call my friend.”

Paige Ziegler, a Sausalito resident who works for car dealerships in Corte Madera, said she met Kritzberger in 2010 after joining the chamber.

“Julie has been an inspirational motivator and a great leader who introduced me to the town,” Ziegler said. “I love the way the town looks because of her.”

Councilmember Pat Ravasio commended Kritzberger’s role as chair of the Corte Madera Beautification Committee, a volunteer group responsible for street trees and hanging flower baskets.

“Julie has been a person who has made everyone else look good. She works in the background tirelessly,” Ravasio said. “Julie has been there all along.”

Kritzberger, who lives in San Rafael, said the most gratifying of her roles is organizing chamber events such as the Independence Day celebration.

“Seeing everyone having fun and the kids’ faces during the parade makes it all worth the countless hours needed to run the event,” she said.