12th Annual Blue Ribbon Award winners announced

The winners of the 12th annual Blue Ribbon Awards were announced Thursday, November 14, 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.

Congratulations to the following winners of the 12th Annual Blue Ribbon Awards:

Geotourism Award – Sponsored by Bike the West

Tourism Award – Sponsored by Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
Winner: Edgewood Tahoe
Honorable Mention: Tahoe Brewfest

Experience Award – Sponsored by Marriott Grand Residence Club
Winner: Design Workshop
Honorable Mention: Barton Center for Orthopedics and Wellness

Entrepreneur Award – Sponsored by Getaway Reno/Tahoe
Winner: Ted Kennedy, Tahoe Investment Capital and Stewardship
Honorable Mention: Kyle McSparron, Blue Sky Electrical Solutions

Customer Service (Public Agency) Service – Sponsored by South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling
Winner: Jean Norman, US Forest Service- Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Honorable Mention: Chris Fiore, City of South Lake Tahoe

Customer Service (Business) Award – Sponsored by Heavenly & Kirkwood
Winner: Clayton Stoll, Vail Resorts Retail
Honorable Mention: Kyler Crouse, Barton Health

Tallac Achievement Award – Sponsored by Zephyr Cove Resort
Winner: Tahoe Arts Project

The evening began with the Chair Reception where guests were greeted with champagne and photo opportunities before enjoying a three-course dinner and awards presentation. The event’s Master of Ceremonies, Jack Fife of JackFifeLive, entertained the room while highlighting the top three nominees in each category and announcing the award winners.

The tables were decorated with centerpieces created or provided by Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Cloud Nine Event Co., Create with T, ED Practical Art, Elizabeth and Marin, Enchanted Florist, Fontine Letterie, Kelly Smith Cassidy, Lavish Floral, Live a Tahoe Day, Lovin’ Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, South Shore Gutters, Tahoe Grown, Thran’s Flowers, and Wildwood Makers Market.

In the photo: Left to Right - Emily Abernathy, Peggy Blowney, James Erickson III, Clayton Stoll, Jessica Heath, John McLaughlin, Tracy Davidson, Steve Noll.