Chamber recognizes entities and individuals for their commitment

In a crowded room at the Platte Valley Community Center, several members of Valley businesses gathered for the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet.

The Chamber of Commerce gave out four awards to local people, organizations, and businesses including volunteer of the year, organization of the year, new business of the year, and business of the year.

This year's volunteer of the year was Cheryl Munroe. A family/consumer science teacher at Encampment High School, she has been a part of the Pro-start Culinary Education Program and FCCLA. Her other accomplishments include Wyoming teacher of the year in 2007, Wyoming Teachers Association Career and Technical Teacher of the year in 2008, and state and national FCCLA advisor of the year awards.

Organization of the year was the Encampment/Riverside Lions Club. Their involvement to the Platte Valley has been regarded as "incredible" including their participation in putting on the Woodchopper's Jamboree and Rodeo.

The new business of the year award went to Platte Valley Ranch Supply. Owners Paul Howe and Megan Greenwood were recognized for giving back to the community, which included sponsoring local horse shows and rodeos.

The business of the year award went to Silver Spur Ranches. Employing over 120 full-time workers in Carbon County, they were recognized for their contributions to the community by purchasing from local merchants, holding events on their property to promote the local tourism industry, and supporting many local organizations.