Honoree Awards

Non-Profit of the Year: Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO)

The 2010 Non-Profit of the Year has been labeled “invaluable to our community”. Over the last 24 years they have been serving the needs of hundreds of families in our community by providing ongoing and emergency aid to persons in need. By organizing a local food bank and a resale store, this ministry feeds and clothes 305 families per month in the Evergreen area. By lending a helping hand to those who have fallen on hard times, this non-profit serves clients in the spirit of love and compassion by reaching out to the emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs in addition to those of the physical and financial nature. Their commitment to our community, along with the stability and compassion offered, lifts burdens from the community.

Last year alone, this organization recorded 7,571 visits to their office, provided almost $500,000.00 in services, and served over 22,000 individuals. Their programs have put food on the table, gave a roof over someone’s head, paid utility bills to avoid disruption in service, covered phone bills to provide a means to seek employment, met the costs of prescriptions that people otherwise could not afford, assisted with car repair and insurance expenses, provided firewood to reduce energy bills and ensure adequate heating, helped working families with childcare expenses, assisted with emergency dental work, provided meals and gifts during the holidays and so much more. They are there when families need a helping hand. We are proud to honor our non-profit of the year, Evergreen Christian Outreach!

Ambassador of the Year: Andy Wann

The Chamber Ambassadors are the welcoming arm of the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce. Their responsibilities include mentoring the new members into the Chamber and helping them get the most from their membership. They are also responsible for the attending the Ribbon Cuttings for new businesses, facilitating and working the Chamber monthly mixers, coordinating and chairing the annual Info Mixer and attending the quarterly Member Orientation with the businesses assigned to them. They encourage new members to participate in Chamber activities and help them decide what committees will best support their business goals. Through their efforts, Ambassadors help to ensure that new members see the value of their membership and thus renew their commitment to the Chamber.

The “Ambassador of the Year” exemplifies all of the “best” characteristics defined above. This individual has gone above and beyond to help the Chamber grow in membership and retain their existing members by committing many hours of volunteer service in each of the areas outlined. This person has also served on other committees of the Chamber and has shown a commitment to advancing the best interests of all its members, old as well as new.

 

Volunteer of the Year: Kent Huff

This year’s Volunteer of the Year has been a resident of Evergreen for the last 38 years. They have been an active and supporting chamber member for 19 years and a past chamber board member. As a previous Ambassador and member of the chamber Leads Group, this volunteer has been a leader and mentor to other business members. Currently a member and a past president of the Blue Spruce Kiwanis Club, in addition to being the advisor for the Key Club at Evergreen High School, this amazing volunteer is also a member of Evergreen Scholarships/ Bootstraps, Inc.

As the current co-chairman of the Evergreen Salvation Army, serving for more than 10 years, this individual has contributed to the raising of over $300,000 in donations during their term.

The founder of the Builder’s Club at Evergreen Middle School and a black belt in martial arts, our Volunteer of the Year has demonstrated tenacity and selflessness. We are all beneficiaries of his hard work, dedication, support and giving nature. We are proud to recognize Kent Huff, Volunteer of the Year!

Young Professional of the Year: Emily Lenich

Planning and organizing are second nature to this year’s Young Professional of the Year. As founder and lead event designer of Particulars, Emily Lenich thrives on the excitement and creativity that goes into planning the perfect event – weddings, galas, corporate events and more.

Emily founded Particulars Planning after firmly establishing roots in Evergreen, Colorado in 2008. Born and raised in Georgia, this young lady brings the perfect mix of southern values and modern views and states that the mountains beckon her daily – whether hiking, skiing or just enjoying the view. She feels lucky to live and raise her family in Evergreen with so much of God’s natural beauty right outside her door.

Emily has based her business on the belief that her clients’ needs are of the utmost importance. She is fully committed to making sure those needs are met and expectations are exceeded.

Not satisfied with just enjoying her own success, this particular professional decided to involve her friends and colleagues by bringing together a collection of the premier wedding and event vendors in and around Evergreen, Colorado, thereby forming Everwedd. With their goal to create a one-stop shop for people planning their event in the foothills area, Everwedd has become a very popular and dynamic group. We are pleased to honor Emily Lenich as our Young Professional of the Year!