Blue Ribbon Award winners announced

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE – The winners of the 10th annual Blue Ribbon Awards were announced Thursday night at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Over 300 community members attended to celebrate the winners of seven awards that honor outstanding South Shore businesses, organizations and individuals for civic contributions, tourism experiences, customer service and entrepreneurial achievements.

The following are the winners of the 10th annual Blue Ribbon Awards:

Geotourism Award

Tourism Award
Winner: The Coachman Hotel
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Sports
Sponsored by Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Experience Award
Winner: SOS Outreach
Honorable Mention: Over the Edge Tahoe
Sponsored by Marriott Grand Residence Club

Entrepreneur Award
Winner: Matt Levitt, Tahoe Blue Vodka
Honorable Mention: Melinda Choy, Elevate Wellness Center
Sponsored by Getaway Reno/Tahoe

Customer Service (Business) Award
Winner: Antonio Valdivia, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Honorable Mention: Maureen Froyum, Barton Skilled Nursing Facility
Sponsored by Heavenly & Kirkwood

Customer Service (Public Agency) Service
Winner: Jeffrey Pollitt, Clean Tahoe Program
Honorable Mention: Michelle Risdon, Lake Tahoe Community College
Sponsored by South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling

Tallac Achievement Award
Winner: The Crossing at Tahoe Valley
The two other project nominations in this category were the City of South Lake Tahoe’s new El Dorado Beach to Ski Run Boulevard Class I trail, and the Kingsbury Stinger Trail, a joint project of the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) and the U.S. Forest Service. The winner was determined by an online vote open to all who wanted to participate.

The evening included a second new award, the Chairman’s Award, selected by current Chamber Board Chair Jason Drew. One individual and one business were honored for their “above and beyond” contributions to the South Shore business and broader community. Lodging executive Jerry Bindel was honored as the individual and Riva Grill on the Lake received the business recognition.

The evening began with the Chairman’s Reception where guests were greeted with champagne and photo opportunities before enjoying a three-course dinner and awards presentation. Master of ceremonies Paul Middlebrook, founder of Middlebrook Media, entertained the room while highlighting the top three nominees in each category and announcing the award winners

A high point of the evening was the announcement of the inaugural Tallac Achievement Award. The Crossing at Tahoe Valley was presented this new award, honoring it for being “an exemplary business and infrastructure revitalization” project that has significantly enhanced the economy and community of the South Shore. Located at the South Tahoe “Y,” The Crossing is a complete remodel creating a lifestyle center featuring a contemporary design with a community plaza, home to a fresh variety of shops, food, beverage and dining options, and other business and local services.

Tahoe Chamber received 118 nominations from the community. These were evaluated by the Blue Ribbon Awards selection committee, consisting of Tahoe Chamber board members, community members, past winners, and chamber staff. All nominees received a commemorative pin and each award winner will be recognized throughout the year for their outstanding contributions to the South Shore, including signage to display at their place of business.

Tahoe Chamber would like to thank Harrah’s Lake Tahoe for hosting the 2017 Blue Ribbon Awards. Tahoe Chamber also thanks the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (Title Sponsor), South Tahoe Alliance of Resorts (Presenting Sponsor); Tahoe Beach Club (Spotlight Sponsor), and Media Sponsors the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Lake Tahoe TV, K-Tahoe, and KRLT/KOWL.