The Hall of Fame Award went to Essence Kitchen and Bar for their spirit of volunteerism in the school district and with people in need and veterans.
The Business Recognition Award, also known as the BRA award, went to Tom Payne and Wendy McManigal of Tom’s Print and Sign. The Hall of Fame Award went to Julia Ammons of Essence Kitchen and Bar. The Community Service Award went to Sandy Jones of Chino Valley United Methodist Church, and the Business Excellence Award went to Tre Soria of Prescott Roots Landscaping and Design.
The event also honored outgoing Chino Valley Chamber CEO Lorette Stewart, who resigned to take another job.
Until a permanent replacement is hired, Sheri Heiney, president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, has stepped in to offer not only her 20-plus years of personal expertise in chamber operations, but her team to assist CV Chamber of Commerce in managing membership files, financial analysis, short-term and long-term financial planning, bylaws adherence and board development.
In addition, John Courtis, the retired executive director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce, has offered to serve as interim volunteer director. Courtis will be the face of the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce while they seek out Stewart’s replacement.
Heart Dance Records artist Darin Mahoney, a Chino Valley resident, performed live music with his guitar and vocals during the buffet dinner awards ceremony.
Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Max Bledsoe recognized community champion sponsors, including the town of Chino Valley. Vice Mayor Eric Granillo accepted the recognition for the town. Granillo thanked Stewart for her six years of work with the chamber. He also praised the overall business community. “This town has some of the best businesses,” he said.
Matt Santos, public information officer for the CV Chamber of Commerce, served as emcee. “There are so many businesses that do so much for our town,” he said, citing scholarships for students as one example. He urged everyone to shop local and join the chamber.
Jones said the CV United Methodist Church has been a member of the chamber for more than 30 years. CVUMC makes monthly donations to Chino Valley organizations. She highlighted the many good organizations in the community, including Horses with Heart and Yavapai Transit.
Soria with Prescott Roots Landscape received the Business Excellence Award for the company’s commitment to customer service and community involvement. Soria, who was born and raised in Chino Valley, praised his work crew for earning the award. He said the community inspired him to go into business.
Tom Payne and his sister, Wendy McManigal, with Tom’s Print and Sign are well known in the community after being here for 31 years. “Thank you for your years of commitment. Your work is remembered and appreciated,” Santos said when presenting them with the award. “You’re known for your years of outstanding work.”
The Hall of Fame Award went to Essence Kitchen and Bar for their spirit of volunteerism in the school district and with people in need and veterans. “This is a real big honor,” Ammons said as she accepted the honor with her 7-year-old grandson, Skyler, joining her at the podium.
Ammons said they have a great team that enables them to be involved in community causes. Essence Kitchen is known for having a lunch for veterans every other month. “It just takes a group of people with ideas,” Ammons said about the need for supporting good causes. QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Photo by Stan Bindell: Sandy Jones shares the recognition for Chino Valley United Methodist Church with Kaleigh Stewart, the daughter of outgoing chamber CEO Lorette Stewart.
