Tahoe Blue Ribbon Award winners announced

The Tahoe Chamber named the winners for this year's Blue Ribbon Awards during a special awards ceremony Thursday, May 16, at the Tahoe Blue Event Center.

The goal of the Blue Ribbon Awards is to recognize businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the South Tahoe community.

Community Enrichment Award sponsored by Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe: A business, non-profit, or agency that has worked to improve the South Shore community.

Winner: Live Violence Free,

Customer Service Award (Business) sponsored by Vail Resorts: An individual who is appreciated by the community for going above and beyond to offer the highest quality customer service.

Winner: Melissa Gibson-Taylor - Tahoe Bagel Company.

Innovation Award sponsored by The Idle Hour: An innovative entrepreneur/ non-profit / business that has affected significant change in the community through a unique idea or the improvement upon one.

Winner: David Wise - Tahoe STEM Academy.

Excellence in Business sponsored by Azul & Base Camp Pizza: A business that exemplifies excellence in managing their enterprise. Has made substantial contributions to the overall good of business, and the economic well-being of the community.

Winner: Anderson’s Bicycle Rental.

New Business of the Year sponsored by The Cork & More: A new business that has gained an increasingly positive reputation and who exhibits distinction.

Winner: Cuppa Tahoe.

Public Service (Public Agency) sponsored by South Tahoe Refuse: An individual who goes above and beyond to provide the community with support, to effect change and to benefit the overall quality of life in South Tahoe.

Winner: Pat Giardina - SLT Public Works.

Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by Marriott Grand Residence: A business or organization that serves visitors while benefiting the community through education, sustainability, environmental stewardship and local practices.

Winner: Keep Tahoe Blue (League to Save Lake Tahoe).

Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by the Pay It Forward Project: An individual dedicated to making a positive impact on the agency they serve and on the community at large.

Winner: Paula Peterson.