Riverside Studios, Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Company among annual winners
Courtesy Rob Retting |
TRUCKEE, Calif. — More than 325 people attended the Truckee Donner Chamber’s 61st Annual Awards Dinner and Pandora’s Auction on Oct. 30 at The Resort at Squaw Creek.
Awards were presented to recognize local businesses or members who have exemplified outstanding involvement in the community and its issues, who have contributed significantly to the economy and local labor market, or who have shown staying power and growth in our business community.
Following is a list of the winners, along with some comments offered by the Chamber:
— The Hospitality Award was given to Julie Huck, of Gratitudes Gifts & Home Decor. From roots long ago as a home-based business, to West River Street, to taking the plunge to go “big time” on Commercial Row, Julie and her mom, Sue, have shown the dedication and tenacity to become a signature business in downtown Truckee.
— The New Business of the Year award went to SBS Media House. Finding a niche, bringing fresh young ideas and perspectives to the business world, combined with a professional approach, has helped this creative team become a quick success in Truckee. This team accomplished that beautifully with the collaborative “Elevate Tahoe” film.
— The Revitalization Award (Small) went to the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe Community Project. Some of CATT’s projects have included: staining the Old Jail Museum; repair and painting of three historic buildings at The McIver Dairy; involvement in parts of the Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway; recycling containers for the school district; and the design and construction of a base for the historic Victory Highway Eagle Monument.
— The Revitalization Award (Large ) went to Dickson Realty. Tearing down an eyesore of a dilapidated building from the 70s at a prominent corner in Truckee, and replacing it with a sleek “mountain modern” building showcasing elegant, clean and natural products was a welcome sight to many.
— The Large Business of the Year award went to Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Company. Through the multiple generations that have led this successful business, a commitment to its customers, vendors and the community has been unwavering. They successfully weathered an economic recession that was the most difficult period the company has ever seen. Today the company stands strong, ready to face the challenges of sustainability and an ever-changing market.
— The Excellence in Government award went to the town of Truckee. Seeking grants to leverage current budgets to extend the capacity of public dollars has enabled the community to be the beneficiary of significant new assets including the recreation jewel of the Truckee River Legacy Trail to Glenshire. With the assistance of a $4.6 million dollar grant from the California River Parkway the trail opened in August.
— The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Steve Lieberman. Steve has set an example for over 50 years and truly has had a significant influence upon this community. In the 70s, he joined the newly formed Donner Summit Fire Department and then became an EMT2. He remains in a special battalion chief position at Truckee Fire. A professional ski patrolman for 25 years, he trained in avalanche control and search rescue operations. He helped form the original Donner Summit Area Association in the 70s, and he was a founding member of Truckee Sunrise Rotary, serving as president and assistant to the district governor.
— The Non-Profit Organization of the Year was awarded to Tahoe Food Hub. Earlier this year, the hub completed a crowdfunding campaign and raised $28,000 to buy a refrigerated delivery van. The hub will increase the access of nutritious, ecologically grown food. It can reduce the distance food has to travel to reach us, while supporting small, sustainable farms and helping us eat healthier too. It contributes food regularly to Project MANA, North Lake Tahoe’s hunger relief organization.
— The Small Business of the Year (11-49 employees) award went to Ward Young Architecture & Planning. Over the years, the staff has put together an award-winning team that has created gorgeous places, structures, buildings and homes. One of these buildings, the Northstar Fire Station, led to an opportunity that put Truckee in the world-wide spotlight with the design by this local architectural firm of the HGTV 2014 Dream Home in the Schaffer’s Mill community.
— The Small Business of the Year (1-10 employees) award went to Riverside Studios. Over the course of 12 years, and three different locations, this business has shown dedication and commitment to a culture and spirit it believes in. A collaborative place where art and culture intersect, this cute funky loft-style shop is a quaint gallery to showcase the talent and diversity of several local artists.
The Chamber also recognized Michelle Erskine of Erskine Creative Photography as Ambassador of the Year. Michelle, along with many other ambassadors, was diligent in her solicitation and collection of items for this year’s Pandora’s Auction. She has been very supportive and helpful to the Chamber in promoting Truckee by providing many unique and beautiful photos of Truckee for our use and is always there with a friendly smile.
The Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce is composed of 565 members, representing over 7,000 jobs, with the mission to promote and develop local business and tourism, while improving the community’s quality of life. Visit truckeechamber.com to learn more.
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