On Tuesday evening, local business owners, entrepreneurs, farmers, ranchers, volunteers and other community members came together at the West Side Events Center to celebrate another year of accomplishments at the Alliance Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.
Cassielien Vankerrebrook, Alliance Chamber Director, said the evening was one filled with laughter and joy, featuring great food and a performance by Comedian Edward Bell, of Denver.
“It went well,” said Vankerrebrook. “There was lots of laughter. I felt like it was very impactful. It was emotional. It was very moving. I think people were filled with happiness. It didn’t feel like a regular award banquet. There was lots of happiness in the room.”
Vankerrebrook said that it was meaningful to be able to celebrate another year of success in the community.
“When we’re able to do these events, it means we’re doing okay economically, I think,” Vankerrebrook said. “We wouldn’t be able to have our banquet if we didn’t have our members paying their dues and doing well. I think that, economically, it shows that it’s good, because it shows that they’re growing. We had amazing sponsors. I feel like there was a lot more community involvement.”
This year’s Chamber Banquet saw a greater turnout than the previous year, Vankerrebrook explained, showing a lot of excitement for 2025. She said that plans are already in the works for next year’s banquet and other upcoming events.
“Once one event ends, we’re already planning our next event,” said Vankerrebrook. “Right now, I’m working on planning a game night event, so I got some ideas from this banquet to throw around for the game night. We’re, hopefully, throwing a football tailgate in the fall, and we’re already thinking about next year’s banquet. Obviously, we have Heritage Days, so it’s just one event after the other. It never stops.”
Vankerrebrook expressed her gratitude for everyone who attended the event and the sponsors who helped to make the banquet possible.
The following is a list of award winners:
Friend of Alliance: Edison and Courtney Red Nest
Small Business of the Year: Bloedorns
Outstanding Business of the Year: WESTCO
Community Investment Award: Consumers Cooperative Federal Credit Union
Community Compassion Award: Northwest Community Action Partnership
Farmer/Rancher of the Year: Rich and Eileen Zochol
Volunteers: Sorayah Gomez and Taryn Erickson
Ambassador of the Year: Daylin Libsack