A very successful, well attended 2014 Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was held March 17, honoring the many volunteers who work for the communities.
Chamber Executive Director Charlotte Hatch welcomed the crowd and introduced dignitaries. Snowflake High School cast members of Cinderella entertained as youth served the dinner prepared by Johnny and Beverlee Kay.
The 2014 Business Man of the Year award was presented to Jason Brubaker by Joe Bjornn, the previous year’s winner, who noted that each nominee was deserving of the award. Brubaker said he was inspired by others, and thanked everyone for being an example and “pointing me in the right direction.” He also thanked his staff for all they do.
The 2014 Business Woman of the Year award was presented to Patti Matyas and Michelle Stock by Anna Brubaker, the 2013 honoree.
Stock thanked her peers for nominating her, saying, “I’m very tickled.” She noted that last year after a break in at her store that included vandalism, they almost shut down. They worked hard to get Stock-Up Feed up and running again because, “I love my businesses, I love my customers and I love the community.”
“When you are passionate about something, you do it because you love it, not because you want to receive an award,” said Matyas. She added that people cheered her on and picked her up when she fell and thanked the community. She also offered special thanks to her employees.
The Small Business Award went to Silver Creek Mortuary; Medium Business Award, Black Diamond Auto Glass; and Large Business Award, PFFJ.
The Non-Profit Award went to Pet Allies.
Shining Star Awards went to Phil Stratton and Eddie Hancock. The award is given in appreciation of outstanding service to the community through volunteerism.
Matyas, who serves as president of the chamber, selected Tom Poscharsky, who was unable to attend the event, as the recipient of the President’s Award. The award recognizes outstanding service to the chamber and to the community. She noted that Poscharsky volunteers for the Pioneer Day Car Show, is working hard regarding Northland Pioneer College’s reinvention of the Silver Creek campus, and is very involved in economic development, the Silver Creek Senior Center and Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church, as well as the chamber. “This was all done behind the scenes before he became mayor (of Snowflake),” said Matyas.
Hatch presented the Executive Director’s Award in appreciation of continued support of the Snowflake-Taylor Chamber to Mark Wilson. Hatch said she chose him as an individual who made a difference over the past year.
Hatch’s address this year was centered around Cinderella, relating the story of Cinderella to a business or life. She asked everyone to put on Cinderella’s shoes, or shoe…, noting that even though Cinderella was treated rudely and those she dealt with were selfish, she still was kind to them, which reflects a good work ethic and great customer service.
She pointed out that Walt Disney believed in dreams, but you also need to do something about the situation. “Your attitude makes them want to come back,” said Hatch, noting that the chamber can promote your business, but cannot run your business behind your doors.
“Never look back,” said Hatch, using Cinderella as an example that a new pair of shoes can change your life.
“We wouldn’t have a chamber if it wasn’t for Charlotte,” said Matyas. “She is the Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce. The chamber would not be as successful as it is without her,” as she is not only there for the businesses, but also for many events held in the two towns. She also honored Nancy Noble, who has worked for the chamber for many years and presented each of them with a gift from Baskets by Nancy.
Dignitaries from Navajo County in attendance included District III Supervisor Jason Whiting, Sheriff K.C. Clark, County Attorney Brad Carlyon and County Manager Jimmy Jayne, and their wives.
Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard represented the Town of Snowflake, and Mayor Fay Hatch represented the Town of Taylor.
Recipients of the awards presented last week at the 2014 Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerc Awards Banquet included (left to right) Jason Brubaker of Silver Creek Mortuary, Business Man of the Year; Patti Matyas of The Carriage House, Co-Business Woman of the Year; Mark Wilson of the Town of Snowflake, Executive Director’s Award; Phil Stratton of Stratton Electric, Shining Star Award; Jason Craner of Black Diamond Auto Glass, Medium Business Award; Dave Lewis and Annette Hunsaker of PFFJ, Large Business Award; Michelle Stock of Stock-Up Feed, Co-Business Woman of the Year; R.J. Owens of Pet Allies, Non-Profit of the Year; (not pictured) Tom Poscharsky, President’s Award; and Eddie Hancock, Shining Star Award.
