Collins Aerospace will receive the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce's 2024 Business of the Year award at a ceremony March 20, 2025, recognizing the company's economic contributions and community involvement.
The Chamber will honor the aerospace manufacturer, an RTX business, during its 125th Inaugural Celebration where several hundred business and community leaders are expected to attend.
The Riverside facility, which opened in 1952 as Rohr, Inc., employs more than 700 people and generates millions in economic benefit annually, according to Chamber documents. Collins specializes in aerospace and defense products, including advanced structures and systems for commercial and military sectors.
Beyond its business operations, the company has strengthened its community presence through educational partnerships. Collins recently donated $25,000 to Riverside Unified School District's new Casa Blanca Elementary School to support its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum.
"The vision is for Collins Aerospace employees to be onsite in the trenches with our staff and students," said Bernie Torres, principal of Casa Blanca Elementary. "With the help of Collins Aerospace, we will be developing future scientists, engineers and mathematicians here in our Casa Blanca community."
Since 2023, the company has hosted more than 25 events at local schools, reaching more than 1,800 students through career days, STEM panels and site tours, according to Chamber records.
The Chamber describes its Business of the Year award as recognition for organizations that contribute to Riverside's economic vitality while demonstrating commitment to community improvement.
The Chamber's annual celebration will also include the ceremonial transition of leadership from outgoing Chair Scott Ditfurth of Best Best & Krieger to incoming Chair Jennifer Binkley of Altura Credit Union.
Casa Blanca Elementary is scheduled to open Aug. 11 with a school-wide STEM focus for transitional kindergarten through sixth-grade students.
Individual tickets for the Chamber's Inaugural Celebration are available for $150 through the Chamber website. The event will be held at the Riverside Convention Center.
