Valley Chamber recognizes community members

On March 10, members of the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce (S/PVCC) gathered in the Great Hall of the Platte Valley Community Center (PVCC) to honor local businesses, organizations and volunteers from throughout the community during the Annual Chamber Dinner.

Each year, the Chamber of Commerce honors the Volunteer of the Year, Organization of the Year, New Business of the Year and Business of the Year. A recent addition to the categories, Emerging Business of the Year, is also honored by the Chamber. All honorees are recognized for the previous calendar year.

Volunteer(s) of the Year

While the award for Volunteer of the Year typically goes to one person who dedicates their time and energy to help the Valley, this year it went to a group of citizens. Bridge Street Bargains has become one of the well known businesses on Bridge Avenue in Saratoga, offering a variety of items at affordable prices. What some visitors to the storefront may not know, however, is it is run entirely by donations and volunteers.

The "Ladies of Bridge Street Bargains", as they are often called, donate their time to keep the non-profit business running Tuesday through Friday each week. Along with manning the front of the business, the ladies also spend time in the back of the building going through donated items.

"Helping the community since 2010, this award winner can be caught donating their personal time for their motto 'You give, we give'," said Amanda Knotwell, CEO of the S/PVCC on Thursday night. "Taking items and helping turn them into treasures for others, all the while making sure the funds collected are turned into treasures as well."

Those treasures have included scholarships for local students and allocating funds to other non-profits within the community. A recent example cited by Knotwell was donations made to the Town of Saratoga Recreation Department for the purchase of a new slide for the outdoor municipal swimming pool.

Previous recipients of this award were Scott McIlvaine for 2020, Scott and Michelle McIlvaine for 2019, Bob Lauman for 2018, Kassey Westring for 2017 and Julie Evans for 2016.

The award was accepted by Cheryl Ervin on behalf of the "Ladies of Bridge Street Bargains".

Organization of the Year

The Organization of the Year was founded in 1993 with the purpose to promote, encourage and support all forms of art. For several years, the Platte Valley Arts Council sponsored the annual Festival of the Arts held during the July 4 weekend in Saratoga. Recent endeavors have included public art installations outside Encampment and at Khe Sahn West Park next to Lollypop's in Saratoga.

"This winning organization is like the colors of the rainbow," Knotwell said. "Full of vibrance, depth and color, this organization's mission is to enrich the quality of one's life. For almost three decades they have put amazing efforts into all areas of art ranging from visual, musical, theatrical, dance and literary."

Previous recipients of this award were the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department for 2020, Bridge Street Bargains for 2019 (they were also awarded in 2011), Corbett Medical Foundation for 2018, Mother Mountain Anglers for 2017 and, for 2016, a tie between the Saratoga Lions Club & the Valley Service Organization.

The award was accepted by Stacy Crimmins, Mary Martin and Shirley Hilyard on behalf of the Platte Valley Arts Council.

Emerging Business of the Year

The Emerging Business of the Year may seem similar to New Business of the Year, but the qualifications are quite different. Nominees for this category must have purchased an existing business keeping the same name or opened a new business in the previous calendar year.

Last summer, Lollypop's sold to Kristen and Faron Stroh.

"One thing that everyone in this room has in common is we all have a birthday. Birthdays are celebrated in many different ways but the most iconic partnership is cake and ice cream," said Knotwell. "The cherry on top is getting to spend your birthday at The Annual Chamber Awards Dinner receiving an award for that amazing ice cream."

Previous recipients of this award were Saratoga Sandwich Company for 2020, Plattoga Aggregates for 2019, Sweet Marie's Mercantile for 2018 and Firewater Public House for 2017-the first year the award was presented.

Unfortunately, the Strohs were unable to make it that night.

New Business of the Year

The nominees for New Business of the Year must have been in business at least one year up to five years and must have been a S/PVCC member for at least nine months. They also must not have been a past recipient.

The Saratoga Sandwich Company had the honor of walking away from two back-to-back Chamber dinners with an award, having been awarded Emerging Business of the Year for 2020.

"Tonight, we would like to honor a business that hit the ground running and hasn't stopped since. Whether you like hot or cold, they have you covered," Knotwell said. "Bringing in new features of the week and flavors that are outstanding, you can find the staff with a smile and happy to make your day better."

Previous recipients of this award were Barefoot Brooke for 2020, Firewater Public House for 2019, North Fork Engineering for 2018, Scott & Michelle LLC for 2017 and Koyoty Sports for 2016.

Max Schneider accepted the award on behalf of Saratoga Sandwich Company owners Tommy and Cassie Orduno.

Business of the Year

Nominees for Business of the Year must have been a S/PVCC member for at least two years and have been in business for at least five years. They also must not have been a past recipient.

Though the name of the business suggests otherwise, the owner and head chef of The Grumpy Italian can often be seen with a smile on his face as he walks out from the kitchen to greet his customers.

"In 1937, Walt Disney featured a film by the name of Snow White. In this film, there were some hard working fellas that all had some interesting names associated with their personalities," said Knotwell. "One of these hard working guys goes by the name Grumpy. However, when you visit the 2021 Business of the Year, you are not only treated as family but Grumpy is always there to welcome you."

Previous recipients of this award include Saratoga Feed & Grain for 2020, The Country Store for 2019, Hi-Tech Auto for 2018, Sweet Marie's Bakeshop for 2017 and Burns Insurance for 2016.