To celebrate another successful year of aiding local businesses, the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Installation banquet on Thursday, Jan. 23. The banquet not only featured the swearing-in of the 2025 Chamber of Commerce board but also the presentation of several awards, including the Chamber Business of the Year.

Kicking off the festivities was exiting Chamber President Taren Powell, who welcomed everyone to the event. Powell explained the chamber’s impact on local businesses in 2024,” We probably supported 180 chamber members. We wanted to show the value of our chamber membership. So to achieve this. We developed a dynamic social media marketing strategy. We were able to help enhance their marketing efforts through this initiative. We share their content, promote events, highlight job openings and spread the word about incredible businesses in our community.”

Powell also spoke on the Chamber’s luncheons held throughout the year, spotlighting important community topics,” One of my favorites was the community health checkup luncheon … We were able to hear from these individuals who were in recovery and who worked with disadvantaged populations in our community. And we talked about how people were able to find success in the workplace and how they were able to find support.”

In closing, Powell shared,” I wanted to thank the board. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your dedication this year. Thank you for being the best random group of people that I’ve ever met.”

Following these remarks, it was time to present the Chamber’s 2024 awards. Starting with the Hospitality Award which was given to Bill Hicks, owner of Farlainos Café. “I’m sure most of you are familiar with the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the newly renovated and improved Farlainos Café, where you will find exceptional meals, heartfelt hospitality and clear reflections of Bill’s hard work and passion.”

Bill Hicks receiving the 2024 Hospitality Award

When asked about the award, Hicks simply responded,” I’m surprised as hell.”

Up next was the Community Service Award, which was awarded to Kari Richardson, owner and operator of Apple Country Home. Located on Price Main Street, Richardson has played a key role in the revitalization of the area,” Believing that downtown is the heart of the community Kari is passionate about fostering its growth and vitality. She is grateful and looks forward to being part of its future for years to come.”

Kari Richardson receives the 2024 Community Service Award.

The final business-based award was the 2024 Business of the Year. “This business not only exemplifies growth and success but also demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting our community. They are always among the first to contribute to local causes and consistently sponsor and support local events.” 

Called to the stage to accept the award were Lesa Mortenson, Ty Noyes and Jeret Wear, owners of Flawless Sheeting. “Flawless Sheeting is a growing business and a valued part of the community contributing to the local economy and delivering reliable high-quality products.”

Speaking to Castle Country Radio, Mortenson commented on what it means to be named the business of the year,” We’re very honored to have been chosen as the Business of the Year. The chamber has been instrumental in helping our business grow. We joined the chamber in 2020 at our ribbon cutting, and I’ve been involved with it since. We’re just thankful that we have awesome employees and a great staff and that they help make it work.”

Flawless Sheeting named 2024 Business of the Year

The final award given for the evening was the Chamber Board Member of the Year, which was presented to C.J. McManus. “C.J. is known for his friendliness and ability to connect with everyone. He is selfless with his time and energy each and every day.”

McManus presented with the 2024 Board Member of the Year award

After receiving the award, McManus spoke to Castle Country Radio, highlighting the work of Chamber Executive Director Barbie Haeck: ” I can’t say enough how much our Executive Director Barbie Haeck means to keeping the board together and functioning. We’d all be lost without her.” He added,” If you have the opportunity to be a member of the chamber, it’s inexpensive and it’s a great way to meet other businesses in our area.”

The final activity of the function was the swearing-in of the 2025 CCCC board. Price City Police Chief Brandon Sicillia administered the oath of office, and each member swore to be actively engaged with the board, assist in recruiting and retaining chamber members and represent the chamber in a positive manner.

2025 Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Board Members take the oath of office.

Up next for the Chamber of Commerce will be their first luncheon of 2025, which will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Sure Stay Plus hotel.