John Truitt, Redding’s 2020 Citizen of the Year, has helped transform downtown Redding.
“If Hollywood had a walk of fame in downtown Redding, I think we might want to consider giving John Truitt the first star,” said Jake Mangas, president of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, which honored Truitt during a virtual presentation on Friday.
But Truitt, longtime executive director of Viva Downtown, is quick to note that over the past 25 years, he’s had plenty of help.
“I am appreciative of that,” he said Sunday of the recognition, “but I also appreciate a lot of other people. Kind of everybody that was recognized had a connection with downtown in some way or form. I think over the years, downtown has become a general focus and something that is important to everybody.”
Also recognized by the Redding Chamber of Commerce:
- Rising Star of the Year: Ryan Russell of RAD Studio Modern Architecture
- Business of the Year: SJ Denham Chrysler/Jeep/Fiat
- Businesspersons of the Year: Eric and Cynthia Stephens of SnL Group Inc., Stephens Electrical, LED Concepts USA, Beacon Fire Alarm & Security, and CEM Media Group LLC.
Truitt, who grew up in Redding and graduated from Shasta High School, got his start with Viva Downtown in the mid to late 1990s helping to promote MarketFest — the former outdoor summer festival that brought attention to the city’s old core and triggered a renaissance that has had its fits and starts but seems to be finally on a roll.
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