The rejuvenated annual Chamber Business Awards program focuses on celebrating members of the Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce who go above and beyond in their businesses. The Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce received 17 nominations in six categories, including Wagon Wheel Commitment to Community, Pride of the Prairie, Nisqually, Mount Rainier, and Fay Fuller Awards, the nominees and recipients of these awards are outstanding businesses in their respective fields.
Winners of the Chamber Business Awards 2018 were nominated by their peers and community members, determined by an independent committee of business leaders, and accepted by the Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Winners of the 2018 Chamber Business Awards are listed below:
Wagon Wheel Commitment to Community Award recognizes a business or organization who goes above and beyond to give back to their community in a noticeable and impactful way through innovation, event creation, and/or community outreach.
Pizzeria la Gitana, and Marian Licxandru specifically, have been one of the greatest supporters of Yelm area arts this year. They sponsored multiple local community theater events and were the driving force of Jazz in the Park. Going into its 3rd year of existence, Jazz in the Park is an excellent addition to Yelm’s summer festival line up. Growing year over year, it invites attendees from across the South Sound to Yelm for entertainment, excitement, jazz, and wine.
Pride of the Prairie Award recognizes a business or organization who has made major strides towards the beautification and improvement of their storefront.
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity: The Ace Hardware building sat empty for years while Habitat for Humanity took up residence in front of the movie theater. After Habitat acquired the building, they did awesome improvements, which not only reflect their brand,but also add visual appeal to the downtown corridor
Nisqually Award recognizes a business or organization who demonstrates a dedication to the environment by implementing practices and policies that are environmentally friendly.
South Sound Solar is a reliable functioning company makes and installs solar panels in our area. This is an incredibly special thing to have in our little community.
Mount Rainier Award recognizes a new or emerging business or organization who has opened in the last five years and is demonstrating sustainability and success within our community.
Since opening in 2015, Uptown Lounge has brought excitement to Yelm with its events, attractive storefront, and generous spirit. Not a community event in Yelm passes without Uptown Lounge giving of their time, or donating items. They are frequent recipients of the Best of Nisqually awards and contribute heavily to the Best of Nisqually Gala.
Legacy Award recognizes a business or organization that has been in existence for longer than 20 years, for its success, vitality, and longevity.
Since 1933, Stewart’s Meat Market has been a staple of the community. They are always giving back to the community, and are known throughout this country-probably the world! People come to this area to shop at Stewart’s.
Fay Fuller Award recognizes an exemplary leader in a business or organization. This is an individual award.
Chrissy Dehan, with Yelm Community Schools, has been in a staple in this community for a lot of years. In between raising her family and building a life, she finds time to volunteer with almost every organization in town, and isn’t afraid to take on leadership roles within her community.
Other nominees include: Olympia Federal Savings, Crowe Law Office, Dogger’s Bar & Grill, Yelm Cinemas, Gee-Gee’s Quilting, Dan Crowe, Terry Kaminski, Steele Clayton, Brian Wharton, Teri Pablo, & JW Foster