By Chanae Nielson Local businesses and members of the community were honored at the Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce Business Awards held on March 6 at the Our Lady of the Snow Community Center. Those honored included individuals who were personally selected by Executive Director Charlotte Flake and the President of the Board Patti Matys. One of those was Tim Livingston who received the Presidents’ Award in appreciation of outstanding service within our communities and support of the chamber. “Tim is a very generous man,” said Matys, “He has done so much for the community. He sponsors many sports teams for the youth and every year he organizes the 911 Walk, which honors veterans and the first responders. He organizes the Mother’s Day luncheon, sweaters for veterans and cellphones for veterans, too.” Another person chosen for service to the community was Jason Craner who was awarded one of the two Shining Star Awards, which are given to an individual who may not necessarily be associated with a business but has otherwise been a valuable asset to the community. “Jason Craner, as an individual, he just helps out a lot in the community and with the chamber,” said Flake, adding, “He helped a lot with the car show last year. It may not always be in obvious ways to everybody in the community but we see them when they help, he’s been really good.” The second winner of the Shining Star Award was unable to attend the dinner and will instead be revealed at the next Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn, which will be held on March 22. In appreciation of things done for the Chamber, Arizona Public Service was selected to receive the Executive Director Award. “I chose APS because of all that they do not just for the chamber but for the community as well,” shared Flake. “They help sponsor the arts and crafts show and the car show for Pioneer Days. They also do a lot with little league and sponsoring events for the kids.” In some categories, finalists were first selected by the nominating committee and then members of the Chamber voted to select the winner. Winners in these categories were: Linda Brimhall with SynkroMax as Business Woman of the Year. Tyler Rausch with White Mountain Tees as Businessman of the Year. The Shepherd’s Kitchen and Thrift of the White Mountains received Non-profit of the Year. White Mountain Tees was awarded Small Business of the Year. Computer Technologies was honored as Medium Business of the Year. White Mountain Entertainment Theatres was selected as Large Business of the Year. Executive Director Flake was surprised by an award recognizing her recent professional achievements. Donning a graduation cap and gown, Flake received praise from the board as she was given a Lei and floral arrangement. “Charlotte has been the Executive Director for several years and she always goes above and beyond in her job,” Matys said, adding that she received the award because for the last four years she has been attending the Institute of Organization Management and she graduated in January. The dinner for the event was provided by the Carriage House and served by the Snowflake High School Girls Soccer team. An assortment of desserts was made by the Chamber’s own board members. Co-sponsors Morning Rose provided floral centerpieces. Accompanying the meal was live entertainment, showcasing the talent of the Snowflake High School Music Department singing and dancing selections from their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.
