Delta chamber gives nod to standout businesses
Photo by Randy Sunderland Craig and Amanda Hasto, owners of Davetos Italian Restaurant, accepted the Large Business of the Year award from chamber board member Sharon Taramarcaz. On Saturday evening, March 16, Delta's business leaders gathered at the Delta Elks Lodge for the annual banquet of the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce.
In her "state of the chamber" report, executive director Kami Collins said that since coming on board last November, she has been visiting members and listening to their thoughts about local business conditions.
She reported membership was up 13 percent in 2012, and has increased 6 percent so far this year. Work has continued on improving the chamber's website and Facebook page.
"We have two big goals for the year," said Collins. "To strengthen our membership, and to find ways to get the 243 members and their staffs more involved in the community."
Photo by Randy Sunderland Delta Chamber president Gynee Thomassen (left) presented the Overall Business of the Year award to Carlotta Pagone-Gibson, owner of the 2nd Edition, and her husband, Mike Gibson. One area to get involved might be the Deltarado Days committee, which has begun its work on the July festival, or becoming a member of the ambassador group. There are also two open seats on the chamber board of directors.
It was also an evening of awards.
From a field of nine, the volunteers of the Abraham Connection were selected as the Volunteers of the Year.
The Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter is Delta County's only service to homeless families, women and men. It is an all-volunteer operation, relying on more than 300 community members to prepare and serve meals; wash laundry; stay awake all night at the shelter; provide transportation; and care, support, pray and give hope to the homeless. So far this season, those 300 volunteers have provided over 725 bednights and given over 4,300 volunteer hours.
Photo by Randy Sunderland Carrie Boyd, owner of CB’s Tavern, was pleased to accept the Medium Business of the Year Award from chamber director Josh Applegate (right). Boyd said, “It was a tough route to get here, but totally worth it!”Cheryl and Ed Oeltjenbruns, who sit on the board of directors, accepted the award on behalf of the volunteers of Abraham Connection.
The other volunteers nominated were Sandra Barrie, Dona Lee Cockroft, Dorothy Dunfelder, Kim Glammeyer, Mike Klinger, Bobby Miller, Pat Moore and Father Tom Seibert.
The Small Business of the Year award went to 2nd Edition, owned by Carlotta Pagone-Gibson. She has had the store at 348 Main Street for three years, and strives to provide quality recycled clothing, shoes and accessories at an affordable cost. Carlotta measures success by the number of repeat customers.
Carlotta also serves as a mentor to others in the business community. "Whenever I have questions, need support from another business or, of course, a new awesome outfit, I go to the 2nd Edition and talk to Carlotta!" wrote the person who nominated her.
Photo by Randy Sunderland On behalf of the more than 300 volunteers of the Abraham Connection, Cheryl and Ed Oeltjenbruns accepted the Volunteer of the Year award, presented by chamber vice president Wayne Ross. The organization has provided more than 725 bednights to Delta’s homeless, with shelter, meals and other needed services.Other small business nominees included Beyond the Salon, Day by Day Adult Day Care, Raising Hope Thrift Store, and the Salvation Army.
The Medium Business of the Year is CB's Tavern.
CB's Tavern is a new business in Delta, and it was clear by the response that owner Carrie Boyd had filled a niche in the community. CB's offers a place that is kid and family friendly and still allows adults to relax with a beer. CB's staff uses as much locally produced fresh food as possible in their menu.
"CB's is a refreshing addition to Delta, with a strong focus on the community," wrote the person who nominated the tavern.
Other medium business nominees were Adult Home Care Services, LLC, Double J Disposal and The Garden Center.
Davetos Italian Restaurant was named the Large Business of the Year. Craig and Amanda Hasto, owners of Davetos Italian Restaurant, were nominated for their stellar service and their generosity to the community. They credit their success to responding to the requests of their customers, being pliable and progressive. They surround themselves with top-notch employees, and place a high priority on customer service. They noted the economy has forced them into a refresher course in "Good Business Practices 101" and said they have become better business owners because of the economy. They also provided the overall best piece of business advice any of the judges had heard: "Cash is more important than your mother!"
Other large business nominees were Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado and Overholt Truss Company, LLC.
The overall Delta Business of the Year is 2nd Edition. In making the presentation, chamber president Gynee Thomasen explained that for the second straight year, the Small Business of the Year edged out the other winners in total scores.
Carlotta Pagone-Gibson said she has an incredible staff of employees and volunteers, and a marvelous husband. "And I can't do it without the community ... thank you all very much!"
blog comments powered by Disqus