Sabina Engelken (center) of Famous Dave's accepts the Community Spirit Award.
ITS Logistics took home the Large Company of the Year award at The Chamber’s 35th Annual Recognition Awards luncheon.
“The members of The Chamber have been our peers, our friends and our supporters as we have built our company,” said Jeff Lynch, the chief executive officer of ITS Logistics in a press release. “We value their recognition of the work and the community support of our company and its community-minded employees.”
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority took home the Business Impact of the Year award.
Marily M. Mora, president and CEO of the airport authority was honored that it was recognized for its service.
“We were thrilled with the nomination,” Mora said.
She mentioned the number of passengers coming through the airport increased by 3.9 percent in 2015, while cargo totals increased 7 percent for the year.
“It was the first time in 10 years we had an increase,” Mora said.
Stacie and Chuck Mathewson were honored with Raymond I. Smith Civic Leader of the Year Award, an honor bestowed on individuals or organizations that improve the quality of life in the community or devote their time and/or money to worthwhile local causes.
The Mathewsons contributions include assisting with funding to build the Mathewson IGT Knowledge Center and The Davidson Mathematics Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.
Among their other endeavors, they formed their nonprofit Transforming Youth Recovery that includes the Josh Montoya Treatment House and two more treatment centers coming soon.
Other award winners were:
Nonprofit of the Year: Northern Nevada HOPES
Community Spirit Award: Famous Dave’s
Chamber Member of the Year Award: Kara Player, Eldorado Resorts Corporate Sales Manager
Leadership Reno Sparks Distinguished Alumni of the Year: Kelly Glenn, vice president, account manager and partner with The Glenn Group.
Trey Abney, the director of government relations for The Chamber said there were 10 to 15 nominations in each category.
“It’s an opportunity to recognize our shining stars and what this region is all about,” Abney said.
“Most award shows, you see people you don’t know, or never heard of them. Here, these are people we know and a chance to say thanks for everything you do.”
The ceremony was held Wednesday, April 6 at the Peppermill Resort and Casino. The luncheon was sponsored by Wells Fargo, NV Energy, Eldorado and MarkUBiz.
More than 300 chamber members were in attendance at the event.
