Each year, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce sets aside one evening to honor the best of our business community, chamber members who are making an impact in Jackson Hole. This year’s Annual Award Winners represent a diverse group of individuals and businesses that exemplify everything from employee recognition, to leadership style to overall lasting effect on the community. Each winner will receive their award in person at the Annual Award Celebration at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Friday October 19 from 5:00-7:30 P.M.
For this year’s awards, the Chamber unveiled a new online nomination system which made it easier than ever to submit votes, then a cross-section of Chamber committee members reviewed the nominations and chose the winners earlier this month. They also introduced two new changes to the awards: one new category was added—the “Small Business” award, and the original “Power of Place” award was changed to “Ride for the Brand”, reflecting the new Chamber Brand Promise of integrity, commitment, leadership, impact and balance.
The Chamber invites the community to come and join the winners in an evening of celebration. “We look forward to recognizing leaders, co-workers, friends and family at this great time of the year when we can take a moment to look around and appreciate the great community we live, work and play in.” stated Anna Olson, President/CEO Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. “Congratulations to all of our 2018 winners and a special thank you to all the members who took time to nominate someone” Olson added.
Annual Award Celebration tickets and sponsorships are now available: There will be a Cocktail Hour VIP event from 5:00-6:00pm to kick off the celebration with hosted drinks, followed by the Award Presentations, served hors d’oerves and cash bar from 6:00-7:30pm. We encourage participation in the entire event.
For Sponsorship | For General Admission
$1000 – Logo placement in promotional items & 10 tickets to the VIP Event from 5:00-6:00pm
$500 – Logo placement in promotional items & 4 tickets to the VIP Event from 5:00-6:00pm
$65 – Individual VIP ticket (allows access to the 5:00-6:00pm VIP Event)
$35 General admission tickets from 6:00pm onwards
2018 Annual Chamber Awards Winners –
with quotes from the nominations
The Chamber would like to thank the Review Committee made up of the Executive Committee as well as members of the Young Professionals of the Tetons, Membership, and Business Development Committees.
Citizen of the Year- Heather Overholser
This award is based on activities benefiting the greatest number of people in the area, a singular accomplishment of great benefit to the community, or continuing service to the community over a period of time. Recipients of this award have been widely respected in the community for their personal qualities as well as their contributions.
“Heather has worked tirelessly in her capacity as the Superintendent of Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling (ISWR) to provide our community with safe, healthy, and cost-effective waste disposal. She is managing the construction of a new transfer station and composting facility that will enable Teton County to have community food composting for the first time ever.”
Ride for the Brand- Jerry Blann
This award is for those individuals and families with long-term “demonstrated respect for the place we call Jackson Hole through dedicated, effective and exceptional action to ensure the vitality of our economy, community, and environment, our triple bottom line.
“Very few people have impacted Jackson Hole in such positive ways as has Jerry Blann. Jerry has served as President of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort from 1995 through May 2018, roughly 23 years. Jerry was the right leader to work with ownership, staff and our community members and organizations as he steered the Ski Corp to the world class Mountain Resort it is today, and in doing so, provided Teton County’s winter season economic engine. His focus on excellence, customer service, community housing solutions, year-round air service and non-profit support in addition to his economic contribution will serve our community well into the future.”
Rising Star- Kendra Heinbuck
This award is for the individual, under the age of 40, who is blazing the streets of Jackson with their innovation and service – both professionally and personally.
“Kendra is Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity. She joined the staff in the Spring of 2016. Kendra is the strongest, level-headed, positive leader I have ever met. She leads by example and continues to be an inspiration to her entire staff. She is wise and composed beyond her years. Habitat went through a period of change and staff turnover all while starting the biggest project Habitat has ever taken on. Kendra is an incredible asset to the community.”
G2G: Green to Green- Grand Teton Lodge Company
This award is for the business that has shown a commitment to the environment by prescribing to innovative and effective environmentally conscious business practices.
“Grand Teton Lodge Company has long been a leader in sustainability and environmental
stewardship. The company’s efforts span all operational areas, and include energy and water
conservation, protection of wildlife habitat, waste reduction and diversion, and educating and engaging employees and the public to be part of the solution. In 2017 Grand Teton Lodge Company was recognized by the National Park Service with an Environmental Achievement Award for innovation in their pre-consumer food waste composting program.”
Business of the Year (Large)- Fine Dining
This award recognizes a large business or entity that has achieved excellence in all areas of operations and contributed to the Jackson community.
“There are several key reasons FDRG should receive this award. First, as a company,
FDRG makes significant contributions of time, in kind, sponsorship and cash donations to the community. FDRG believes in being responsible citizens and community members, which is evidenced time and time again through off season special fundraising and the thousands of donations made to community organizations. Whether it’s celebrating successes or challenging each other to do better next time, the family mentality is an integral part of the FDRG company.”
Business of the Year (Small)- Sweet Cheeks Meats
This award recognizes a small business (10 or less employees) or entity that has achieved excellence in all areas of operations and contributed to the Jackson community.
“They are kind, friendly and bringing us a great source for healthy, local, fresh foods in a fun and innovative way. Their commitment to help community events and being part of the markets has been huge and their energy and giving is part of why we are so excited about their future.”
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