Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala: And the Winner is…

The Fallon Chamber of Commerce celebrated local businesses during its annual Chamber of Commerce awards gala on Friday evening, Feb. 6. The Fallon Convention Center, bedecked in red, white, and blue, showcased the evening’s theme “America 250, Celebrating Community & Commerce.” 

The sold-out fundraising event recognizes Fallon’s business community and its ongoing efforts to build and sustain a thriving local economy. The evening opened with the Presentation of the Flags by Naval Air Station Fallon, followed by a moving rendition of the National Anthem sung by HM2 Paighton Scott. Dinner was catered by Cory Norwalk of 3C Catering, with Tipsy Tumbleweed donating bartenders’ time for the event bar.

Auctioneers Zip Upham and Mel Glover kept the crowd engaged throughout the evening, while Chamber of Commerce Director Lucy Carnahan and Chamber President Cynthia McGarrah served as masters of ceremonies, doing their best to keep Upham and Glover on task. With plenty of laughter and well-earned recognition, the evening was, by all accounts, a resounding success.

Chamber of Commerce Nominees and Winners

Outstanding Customer Service, Food and or Beverage Business: Nominations went to Wild Horse Café, Woody’s Burger Shack, and Bayou Bites, with the award going to Wild Horse Café. Pictured from left, Annessa Rogers, Skylor Faria, Steve Faria, Shelly Gallagher, Dusty Thacker, Karen Campbell, Jenn Slatter, and Kelsey Sandberg.

Outstanding Customer Service, Retail Business: Nominations went to Kent’s Supply Center, Cranberry Cottage, Big Mike’s Guns and Ammo, with the award going to Kent’s Supply. Owner Karla Kent.

Outstanding Customer Service, Services and/or Repair Business: Nominations went to Patriot Junk Removal, Silver State Collision, and Les Schwab, with the award going to Les Schwab. From left, Manager Adam Gregory, Jeff Champneys, and Steven Eisele.

Outstanding Health and/or Beauty Services Business: Nominations went to PAM Specialty Hospital, Banner Churchill Community Hospital, and Skin Cancer & Dermatology, with the award going to Banner Churchill Community Hospital. From left, Dan Stasik, PA-C, Samantha Stasik, Dr. Zames Zubernis, Ada Upham, Alicia Oliveira, Brad Oliveira, Dr. Stuart Richardson, County Commissioner Eric Blakey, and Banner Executive Director Rob Carnahan.

Outstanding Business/Professional Services: Nominations went to Stevie Desomber Law, Sierra Nevada Properties, and Berney Realty, with the award going to Sierra Nevada Properties. From left, Marilyn Nygren, Danielle Saldiver, Eric Gothan, Merlene Ward, and Judy Travis.

Outstanding Local Non-Profit Organization: Nominations went to Domestic Violence Intervention, Marine Corps League/Toys for Tots, and Rotary Club of Fallon, with the award going to Marine Corps League/Toys for Tots. Libby and Gregory Harter.

Outstanding Business Innovations: Nominations went to The Venue – Troy’s Double Shot Bar & Catering, Fallon Home Decor & More, and Woody’s Burger Shack, with the award going to Woody’s Burger Shack. Don and Tasha Mau, with thanks to William Hamilton (not pictured).

Best New Business Start-Up: Nominations went to The Venue (Troy’s Double Shot Bar & Catering), Silver Sage Collision, and Bayou Bites, with the award going to Silver Sage Collision. From left, Jorge Navarro, John and Stephanie Wimberly, Mark Frechette, Mauricio Navarro, Dale, Kira, and Nicole Streeter.

Outstanding Homebased Business: Nominations went to Tipsy Tumbleweed Mobile Bar, Squish’s Pressure Washing, and Patriot Junk Removal, with the award going to Patriot Junk Removal. Patrick and Tess Holcomb.

Outstanding Beautification Project of the Year: Nominations went to Laura Mills Park – Fitness and to Oasis Academy High School, with the award going to Oasis Academy High School. Rochelle Tisdale and Hunter Drost.

Outstanding Helping Heart Award: Nominations went to American Legion, Rotary Club of Fallon, and Fallon Ford-Toyota, with the award going to Fallon Ford-Toyota. Ember and Chris Henning.

Best Place to Work: Nominations went to CC Communications, Banner Churchill Community Hospital, and Louie’s ACE Home Center, with the award going to Louie’s ACE Home Center. Owner, Ed Louie.

Outstanding Customer Service, Small Business: Nominations went to My Gypsy Soul, The Twisted Branch, and Maine St. Cigar Company, with the award going to The Twisted Branch/Megan Dolan.

Recognized Ag Leader(s) of the Year: Nominations went to Frey Ranch/Colby Frey, Hoof Beat Gates & Corrals, and Lattin Farms, with the award going to Frey Ranch/Colby Frey.

Businessperson of the Year: Nominations went to Mark Frechette of Silver Sage Collision, Adam Gregory of Les Schwab, and Shelbe Seay of Mamma’s Meats, with the award going to Shelbe Seay. 

Congratulations to all winners and nominees. Fallon appreciates your contributions to the community. For more photos, visit our Facebook page or visit thefallonpost.org.