Carson City Chamber recognizes local businesses

The highlight of the Carson City Chamber annual meeting on June 14 will be the presentation of special recognition awards to outstanding local businesses and people who promote growth and prosperity for the betterment of our community.

Outgoing chamber Chair Kris Wells will recognize seven businesses and individuals stating, “On behalf of the Carson Chamber Board of Directors, I’m looking forward to recognizing businesses and individuals who have contributed their time, talents and resources to make Carson City the great community it is.”

Even in the still difficult post-COVID era, there are those who believe strongly in taking the risk to move forward with their dream thus bringing new dimensions to a city on the move. In addition, as with most non-profit organizations, it’s volunteers who give their time to advance the organization forward.

INNOVATIVE NEW BUSINESS: Awarded to the Nashville Social Club, the dream come true for John Procaccini and Kitty McKay. In the Nevada Appeal article dated July 14, 2022, McKay stated “We’ve poured our hearts into every atom of this place. We are thrilled and honored to be sharing the spirit of music city with the coolest people on the planet.” The Club celebrates their first anniversary next month and has given our city a totally new concept in dining, drinking, dancing, and entertainment.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Awarded to Elaine Spencer who has opened two new businesses and organized the Carson Tahoe Home and Garden Show within 15 months. Spencer brought Plato’s Closet to the Carson Mall, opening in February 2022 much to the delight of the younger set. In January 2023, she opened a skin care salon, Le Visage, beside Plato’s Closet and, as if this were not enough, she and a partner organized the successful home and garden show last month. We think Spencer is not done bringing us new ventures.

NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR: Awarded to the Nevada State Prison Preservation Society. The NSPPS volunteers have worked diligently since November of 2012 to preserve one of Nevada’s most historical buildings predating statehood and bringing our unique history back to life. When the Nevada State Prison closed in May 2012 after operating continuously for 150 years, former Carson City supervisor and state assemblyman Pete Livermore assembled a group to create a new tourism attraction in our city. It’s been a long-time in the making and the NSPPS is getting closer to their goal of seasonal operation creating a full-time historical museum.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD: Awarded to the Southwest Gas Foundation. Carson City is all about community and no single organization has displayed more community spirit than the Southwest Gas Foundation continuing to give sizeable grants to local charitable organizations and through their awesome BLUE Team, the employee commitment program allowing employee volunteers to give back to the community.

BEST NEW EVENT: Awarded to the Carson City Visitor’s Bureau responsible for spearheading a laudable event to introduce the importance of the city’s historic heritage by honoring one of its past most notable citizens. The first Mark Twain Days was held April 21-23 honoring the man who became Mark Twain while then a citizen of this city. Many local volunteers assisted in creating an exciting and successful first-time event.

CHAMBER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Awarded to Cliff Sorensen. As with most successful Chambers, the volunteers take center stage whether serving on boards or committees and taking on other “duties as assigned.” In addition to his full-time duties as director of the Campagni Auto Group, Sorensen is a member of the Chamber Board and willingly jumps in when needed. He served as the tuxedo clad Master of Ceremony handing roses to the Chamber’s pick of Carson’s Extraordinary Women in honor of Women’s History Month and the next month, unasked and clad in jeans, cut tree limbs, and hauled away the refuse caused by the storms without being asked.

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Awarded to Andy Rasor, Carson City treasurer. From a successful career as a sworn law enforcement officer for the Nevada Department of Public Safety for 20 years, to being elected the city treasurer, Rasor has proven to be a willing and considerate servant of the people without all the political overtones. He graduated from the Chamber’s Leadership Institute in 2022 and serves as the co-chair Leadership Advisory Committee to mentor future leaders.

The Carson City Chamber of Commerce, founded in June 1945, is celebrating 78 years of serving Carson City and the business community.