Annual Awards Celebration Honors the Spirit of Jackson Hole

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce celebrated the spirit of Jackson Hole during the Annual Awards Celebration on Friday, May 13 at the Mangy Moose Restaurant & Saloon in Teton Village.

The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2011 Chamber Awards: Smoky Rhea, Elizabeth McCabe, Nona Yehia, Chris Erickson, and the Garnick Family. Creed & Clarene Law of The Antler Inn and the Turner Family of Triangle X Ranch will be honored in recognition for 50 years of Membership. Congratulations! Please see more information about each of the award winners listed below.

The award presentation and cocktail reception will be held at 6:00pm with dinner to begin at 7:00pm. Entertainment from Calle Mambo, the popular Latin-Jazz band, will follow. Tickets for the Annual Awards Celebration cost $55 per person, including dinner and gratuity. Sponsor tables are available for $600 (four-person), $850 (six-person), and $1000 (eight-person). Order your tickets today!

For more information about the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Celebration, please contact Maureen Murphy, Events Manager, mo@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x102. 

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Smokey Rhea
Nomination Comments: "Smokey is one of those quiet heroes who works behind the scenes, makes all of our lives better without seeking recognition. As Executive Director for the Community Resource Center she confronts our most challenging problems at the most difficult times. When our families fall on hard times following an illness, injury or job loss, she leads the CRC team, organizing our community's support. While her patience and compassion are great, the gift that Smokey brings is greater. After the tears have been cried and the situation described, the real work begins. Smokey is shrewd and resourceful, ensuring the efficient use of existing resources."

POWER OF PLACE: Elizabeth McCabe
Nomination Comments: "She has photographed valley newspapers since the 1970s. Her work has won her awards from the Wyoming Press Association. For decades, her images have reflected the power of Jackson Hole. She devotes pages to recognize community members for their passions and learning. She is widely known and widely loved in Jackson, and she loves Jackson Hole. She opposes changes within the community that degrade the character that first drew her family to the valley and eventually made her call it home."

Rising Star Award: Nona Yehia
Nomination Comments: "Nona has the ability to use architecture to impact the social fabric of our community. She is a visionary whose work and universally appealing ideas will have an impact on our community and our daily lives. She is an artist who has the potential to change the way people think and act."

G2G: GREEN TO GREEN AWARD: Chris Erickson and Snake River Brewing Company
Nomination Comments: "Chris has effectively become the 'Sultan of Sustainability' at Snake River Brewing Company as his passion for the environment and green business practices has become a part of the brewery's business model. Endeavors taken on and accomplished by Chris and Snake River Brewing Company include partnering with the Mead Ranch to feed spent brewery grains to their local organic cattle, utilizing used fryer grease in bio-diesel operations,installing the largest bike rack in the town of Jackson to encourage pedalpower, and becoming a founding member of 'Keep Your Bucks In Jackson Hole.'"

Western Hospitality: The Garnick Family
Nomination Comments: "The Garnick Family is the epitome of Western Hospitality. Their diverse business interests from hospitality to the arts have contributed so much to the community of Jackson Hole. Many thousands of visitors and residents have delighted in nightly performances at the Jackson Hole Shootout and the Jackson Hole Playhouse. Their commitment to the community shines through with the authentic spirit if Western Hospitality."

50 Years of Membership: Creed & Clarene Law of The Antler Inn and the Turner Family of Triangle X Ranch
The Antler Inn (Creed & Clarene Law) and The Triangle X Ranch (The Turner Family) have shown a commitment to the foundations of our community that is evidenced by their individual involvement in local, state, and national offices and by their continued support for initiatives in which they believe. The community of Jackson Hole has a vibrant and unique character, due in no small part to these families.  The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize these cornerstones of our community who have been Members of the Jackson Hole chamber of Commerce for 50 years.