By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Some 375 Yukon business and community leaders walked the red carpet while rubbing shoulders with a few Hollywood elites during “A Night Among the Stars.”
Presentation of annual awards highlight the Yukon Chamber of Commerce’s Jan. 31st gala inside the Palace Event Center, 2310 N Banner Road. The banquet serves as the chamber’s largest annual fundraiser.
A video presentation served as the official announcement of the Yukon Chamber’s annual award recipients:
H.B. Frank Citizen of the Year: Judy Austin
T.J. Lowery Humanitarian of the Year: Dr. Heather Barnes
Volunteer of the Year: Ben Martin
Large Business of the Year: Yukon Public Schools
Small Business of the Year: Ingram, Smith & Turner Mortuary
Ambassador of the Year: Otis Davenport
Austin is featured in a story on page 1A of today’s Yukon Progress. Other award winners will be highlighted in upcoming editions.
Another gala highlight were performances by several celebrity impersonators. Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong sang for the audience and were joined by Marilyn Monroe in photos with guests.
Festivities also included a silent auction, trip raffles and dinner provided by Spanish Cove Catering.
The 2020 Yukon Chamber of Commerce president, Tim Ingram, addressed the audience after a ceremonial “passing of the gavel.”
“Tonight, we are here among the stars,” Ingram told the attentive audience. “Who are the stars? You. Each and every one of you are the stars of Yukon.”
In reflecting on the past year, Ingram said 103 new members joined the Yukon Chamber of Commerce to increase membership to 540.
Gala attendance also increased significantly, from 307 at last year’s “Tennis Shoes & Tuxedos” themed-event to 375 this time around.
“This growth is attributed to each one of you, as you have promoted, encouraged and motivated other businesses to shine alongside of you as members,” the 2020 Yukon Chamber president said. “This chamber exists to support each and every one of you to succeed in Yukon as a
business.”
Other annual Yukon Chamber gala highlights were the golf tournament, Fantanza 500 Carnival, Yukon Community Profile, Yukon Yuletide Express, and monthly membership luncheons.
Average attendance at the Friday morning Yukon Community Coffee has soared from about 80 to 130.
“The connection made here benefits both personal and professional relationships,” Ingram said.
