(2009 Small Business of the Year, The Mandarin Restaurant in Bountiful)
The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s longest-standing statewide business association, will present the 2010 Small Business Awards at the Chamber’s 107th Annual Meeting February 11th at noon.
“Small business is the lifeblood of Utah’s economy,” said Lane Beattie, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Starting, running and growing a small business are significant challenges and our award winners are all very deserving for their ability to thrive, not only in times of economic challenge, but over the long haul.”
Award recipients were selected as examples of “Utah on the Move” the theme of this year’s Annual Meeting.
Penna Powers Brian Haynes will receive the Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Equitable Life & Casualty Insurance Company. Penna Powers Brian Haynes is a full-service advertising, public relations, interactive and public involvement agency providing clients with strategic counsel and relevant creative that delivers results. The agency plays an important role in the Downtown Rising vision, developing and hosting the Downtown Rising Web site. Downtown Rising is a business-led, regional visioning effort created to define a common future for downtown Salt Lake City.
The Entrepreneurial Success Award will be presented to New Media Strategists, a regional communications agency. Michael Dale left a secure job with the family business and provided the capital to start the business despite having no committed clients. Within one month, New Media Strategists had added three well-known Utah companies. Even in a tough year for a small business, New Media Strategists continues to demonstrate the power of the entrepreneurial spirit. The award is sponsored by America First Credit Union.
Every year, nearly a quarter of a million people attend one of the 400 performances at Hale Centre Theatre, this year’s recipient of the Community Service Award. Founded by Nathan and Ruth Hale in 1947, the theater’s newest location in West Valley City is celebrating its 25th year. The theatre not only provides a creative outlet for hundreds of community actors, directors and technicians, it also offers quality outreach and educational programs. The Community Service Award is sponsored by Stoel Rives LLP.
Red Iguana is the recipient of the Minority Small Business Award. The name Red Iguana has become synonymous with fine Mexican cuisine. The founders, Ramon and Maria Cardenas, started in the restaurant business 40 years ago. Red Iguana is among the most popular restaurants in the region and its success has led to the opening of two additional locations. The award is sponsored by UPS.
For just the third time in the history of the Salt Lake Chamber, the organization will present a President’s Award for Excellence. Real Salt Lake not only hosted the Major League All-Star Game at Rio Tinto Stadium last summer, it capped the season by claiming the MLS Cup, brining a world championship to Utah. Real Salt Lake has cemented its position as a significant part of the Utah sports landscape and the business community.
The Chamber will also honor former chair, Chris Redgrave, recently retired after a 20-year career at Bonneville Salt Lake Radio Group. Redgrave completed her one-year term as chair of the Salt Lake Chamber Board of Governors in July 2009. During her term, she championed business solidarity during the economic downturn and streamlined Chamber operations by overhauling the business development model and streamlining the organization’s bylaws.
Six Chamber Champions will also be honored for their dedicated service to the Chamber: Maura Carabello of Exoro Group, Von Coffman of Bonneville Radio Group, Russ Coover of Digital Blue Photo, Jennifer Nii of Intermountain Healthcare, Sheridan Redmond of Customer Dynamics and Paul Springer of Bailey-Montague & Associates. The Chamber Champion awards are sponsored by Mountain America Credit Union.
The Salt Lake Chamber Small Business Awards are sponsored by Questar and Wells Fargo. Event sponsors include Rocky Mountain Power, Modern Display and Webb Audio Visual Communication. Supporting sponsors include The Summit Group and Avalanche Studios.
