In 2018, the Yelm Chamber of Commerce wanted a way to honor and celebrate our Chamber members. From this, our Chamber Business Awards were born. We brought together a committee, created six award categories, and opened nominations. The committee vetted the nominations, and chose the winners. We did the same in 2019, and today, are pleased to present the 2020 Chamber Business Awards.
The 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.
The 2020 Wagon Wheel Commitment to Community Award nominees are:
The Cattleman
Grocery Outlet of Yelm
Timberland Bank
Yelm Prairie Christian Center
Yelm Senior Center
The winner of the 2020 Wagon Wheel Commitment to Community Award is:
Yelm Prairie Christian Center
Yelm Prairie Christian Center has shown exemplary participation in 2020 with the help of other volunteers and small groups to help feed the community in large numbers. There has been an incredible outreach to help those in need during the difficulties of 2020.
Yelm Prairie Christian Center joins Olympia Federal Savings Bank and Pizzeria la Gitana of Yelm as recipients of the Wagon Wheel Commitment to Community Award.
The Pride of the Prairie Award recognizes a business or organization who has made major strides towards the beautification and improvement of their storefront.
Nominees are:
Crowe Law Office
Ferguson Insurance Services
Grocery Outlet of Yelm
Images by Brant
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
And the 2020 Pride of the Prairie Award winner is:
Crowe Law Office
Yelm’s downtown begins with The Crowe Law Office, a mountain of a building that stands tall and proud thanks to the labor of love and countless hours of work that Dan Crowe and Molly Carmody have spent continually updating and restoring the old Masonic Temple on the corner of Yelm Avenue and 3rd Street. They’ve maintained historical accuracy and beautified the space both inside and out, turning this building into a work of art. Their constant hard work and dedication shows itself off as you buzz past their building to get anywhere in town.
Crowe Law Office joins The Shiplap Shop & Coffee House and Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity as recipients of the Pride of the Prairie Award.
The Nisqually Award recognizes a business or organization who demonstrates a dedication to the environment by implementing practices and policies that are environmentally friendly.
The 2020 nominees are:
Bliss Experience
Bounty for Families
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
And the 2020 Nisqually Award winner is:
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity
With recycling and upcycling trending in the last few years, South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity has excelled at making these “upcyclable” materials available to the public and out of landfills. They recycle, repurpose, and reduce the need for new products.
South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity joins Bounty for Families and South Sound Solar as recipients of the Nisqually Award.
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.
The 2020 Mount Rainier Award nominees are:
Bertoglio’s Pizza
Between Sisters Boutique
Red Lantern Asian Fusion Restaurant
Steele Barrel BBQ Company
The 2020 Mount Rainier Award winner is:
Between Sisters Boutique
Opening just days before the 2020 shutdown, Heidi and Nanette fought all year to stay open. They did so gracefully, creating a following that love their excellent customer service, style, and great prices. By partnering with local entrepreneurs, they have created a business model that is sustainable and successful.
Between Sisters joins 507 Taproom & Filling Station and Uptown Lounge as winners of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce Mount Rainier Award.
The Legacy Award recognizes a business or organization that has been in existence for longer than 20 years, for its success, vitality, and longevity.
The 2020 Legacy Award nominees are:
H&R Block
Prairie Hotel
Tim’s Pharmacy
Yelm Cinemas
Yelm Dollars for Scholars
The 2020 Legacy Award winner is:
H&R Block
H&R Block has been in the Yelm community for 34 years, and often goes out of their way to serve the members of the community, including numerous school supply drives, food drives, and supporting organizations with donations. H&R Block consistently receives recognition for their tax services and happily contributes to not only Yelm, but the entire Nisqually Valley.
H&R Block joins Mr. Dougs and Stewart’s Meat Market as recipients of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award.
The Fay Fuller Award is an individual award that recognizes an exemplary leader in a business or organization.
Nominees are:
Greg Vinyard, Grocery Outlet
JW Foster, City of Yelm
Line Roy, Yelm Chamber of Commerce
Mike Maloney, Prairie Park
Steele Clayton, Steele Clayton State Farm, Steele Barrel BBQ Co
Tad Stillwell, Farmers Insurance
Wayne McCarten, Uptown Lounge
And the 2020 Fay Fuller Award winner is:
Tad Stillwell, Farmers Insurance
With a military career that spans 15 years, running a successful insurance company for 35 years, and serving on city council for 5 years, Tad Stillwell has lived a life of exemplary leadership and service. His experience, education, passion for community, and ingenuity is an asset to all who work with him.
Tad joins Chrissy Dehan and Tracie Choate as recipient of the Yelm Chamber of Commerce Fay Fuller Award.