Carbon County Chamber Celebrates Local Businesses with Annual Installation Banquet

The Carbon County Chamber of Commerce celebrated local businesses and those that make them possible at the 2019 installation banquet on Thursday evening.

During the event, the chamber took time to honor businesses that made a significant impact on Carbon County throughout the past year. First to accept recognition was Naturally Inspired, which was deemed the chamber’s “Best in Fest” winner for the past holiday season. Naturally Inspired is one of Price City’s newest businesses on Main Street. There, customers can find men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, handmade skin care, jewelry crafted by local artisans as well as handmade home décor.

For the best small business award, Wilco Supply was recognized. Wilco Supply is owned and operated by Max Jones, a Carbon County native. Jones was familiar with the industrial and construction community and worked for several suppliers in the area before deciding to start Willco Supply in 2013.

Then, Sutherlands was welcomed to the front of the crowd to accept the best big business award. Kyle Heffernan and his team accepted the recognition. Heffernan has been with Sutherland for 27 years and has managed the Price location for 15 months. In 2018, the local Sutherlands store donated to over 80 different events and organizations.

Next, Intermark Steel’s Matt Blazer received the most innovated business award. Founded in March 2016, the steel fabrication and erection business was created after 29-year-old Blazer quit his job and connected with Pro Carbon to bring his vision of Intermark Steel to life. Since then, the business has had a hand in two Amazon distribution centers, Alta View Hospital, the Salt Lake International Airport, the stadium at Arizona State University and three temples for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Individuals who have made an impact on local business and the community as a whole were also recognized. Terry Willis accepted the honor of the community involvement award. Willis is not only a successful artist, but also part of many community organizations, including the USUE Prehistoric Museum, Soroptimist International and United Way of Eastern Utah. She has also been involved in local politics and currently serves on the Price City Council. Her experience also extends to the Community Progress Board, International Days, and Price City Planning and Zoning.

Next, Kerrie Barker was honored as the outstanding board member of the year for the chamber. Barker has served the chamber since 2015. She was credited with making sure countless chamber events run efficiently all while providing a positive attitude and desire to better the community.

Another board member, Jana Hopes, was recognized with the president’s choice award. Each year, the chamber president selects an individual, business owner or board member who does outstanding work not just for the chamber, but the community as a whole. Hopes received this recognition due to her innovation to expand her business, Carbon Print and Design, while also completing countless hours of volunteer work, religious responsibilities and family commitments. She also received praise for improving the chamber’s marketing and budget.

Time was also taken by the chamber to thank local media outlets for their constant coverage and support of the chamber. Castle Country Radio, AJB Broadcasting and ETV News all accepted recognition. Then, special attention was given to the Sun Advocate for its dedication to providing news to the Castle Country area for 127 years. Richard Shaw, former publisher of the Sun Advocate, produced a video explaining the history of the newspaper, which was presented to those in attendance. The chamber took extra time to thank the Sun Advocate and the many employees throughout the years for their dedication.

Finally, before the evening came to a close, the chamber welcomed the 2019 executive board. Serving as president will be Colleen Loveless of Loveless Ash. Barbie Haeck of Peczuh Printing will serve as the vice president. Kerrie Barker of GMS Mine Service will serve as the secretary while Jana Hopes will step into the role of treasurer for 2019. Ryan Murray will serve as the immediate past president.

The entirety of the board was then welcomed to the front of the crowd to take their oaths of office. Darin Birch, Ann Anderson, Jenn Colosimo, Tim Frame, Robert Oliver, Amanda Paiz, Danielle Howa-Pendergrass and Richard Tatton will all serve as board members. Judge Jon Carpenter presided over the oath as the evening came to a close.