GREEN RIVER — The Green River Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2022 Awards Luncheon Wednesday in which two individuals, two businesses, and one organization were honored for their contributions to the community.
Senator John Barrasso attended as a special guest at the awards luncheon and praised both the Chamber and the community for their leadership and hard work.
“This is a community that was built on hard work, not handouts; on sacrifices, not subsidies,” Senator Barrasso said.
He added that Wyoming serves as inspiration to the rest of the United States, and that this community is a great example of that.
“What we see here today with these awards for the different volunteers and the businesses and the leadership of all of you, that’s what America’s about. That’s what the American dream is about. And you all continue to inspire America,” he said.
The 2022 Organization of the Year was the Tom Whitmore Post 28 of the American Legion. Chamber President Ainhoa Ferrer said during the presentation of the award that the Tom Whitmore Post 28 has provided a space where “people feel like they belong”. The American Legion is involved in several fundraising events, and they raise money each year for veteran relief.
Additionally, the Auxiliary unit runs Brenda’s Closet which donates clothes and dresses to people in need in the community. With everything the American Legion does, it not only provides a space for veterans and their families, but it benefits the community as a whole.
Stellar Coffee received the award for 2022 Stand Out Business. Chamber board member Misty Shiner presented the award and said that Stellar Coffee is an example of “turning pain into power”. Owners and founders of Stellar Coffee Sami and Ian Doak named the business after their late daughter Stella, and have used the business as a way to give back to the community.
Whether through the yummy drinks and treats, the excellent customer service, or the numerous fundraising efforts Stellar Coffee has taken part in, the business has become a beloved piece of the community.
The 2022 Outstanding Business award was given to White Mountain Lumber and Rentals. White Mountain Lumber and Rentals has been a locally owned and run business since its inception in 1990. Originally operating as a local lumber yard, they have expanded over the years to provide rentals for landscaping equipment, power tools, and even kayaks, floating tubes, inflatable paddle boards and rafts.
Mike Shutran, Green River City Councilman, said that White Mountain Lumber and Rentals is one of the local businesses that drives the local economy. They also sponsor many different local events and organizations, making them all the more valuable to the community.
“They boast a very knowledgable sales staff with over 150 years of combined experience and the employees are always eager to assist you in finding the correct materials for your unique project,” Shutran said.
Receiving the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award was Brent Skorcz for his years of volunteer work on creating, promoting, and helping to maintain the mountain biking trails in the area.
Skorcz was recognized for forming the Sweetwater Mountain Biking Association (SMBA) in 2008, designing and helping to create the Green River Bike Park, and for establishing the annual event Trails Day.
Lastly, Angie Bennett received the award for 2022 Distinguished Citizen. Mayor Pete Rust chooses candidates for this award, and the Chamber board then makes the final decision. Bennett received this year’s award for dedicating her time and talents to enriching the community.
“She is a woman of many talents and interests. In her over 50 years in Green River, she has been involved in numerous committees and organizations which have made Green River a better place to live,” Mayor Rust said.
Bennett teaches art classes at Western Wyoming Community College and the Golden Hour Senior Center, and has also partaken in several art shows in the community throughout the years.
Most importantly, Bennett has served as the director of the St. John’s Thrift Shop for the past 15 years.
