Tickets to attend the Westfield Chamber of Commerce 2014 Lantern Awards are still available for those interested in celebrating the achievements within the city. The annual celebration is Sept. 20 at the Palomino Ballroom and will honor city, chamber, school, business and community representatives who serve the community with diligence and integrity while exhibiting to the highest degree the values of each organization.
“This year’s recipients are businesses and individuals who have been involved in the community for quite a long time,” Chamber Executive Director Julie Sole said. “The Lantern Awards highlight those who work diligently and are committed to providing the best for the organization they represent. The efforts of these recipients certainly contribute to the strong and caring fabric of this community.”
The 2014 Lantern Award recipients include:
• Business of the Year (Lantern Award) – Henke Development Group, LLC
• Westfield Business Luminary Award – Montgomery Aviation, Inc.
• New Westfield Business (Spark Award) – Grand Junction Brewing Company
• Citizen of the Year (Beacon Award) – Dave Read
• Volunteer of the Year (Wick Award) – Joannie Kinnaman
• Community Organization of the Year (Globe Award) – Student Impact
• City of Westfield Exemplary Employee – Jennifer Miller
• Westfield Public Works STAR Award – Travis Stetnish
• Westfield Fire Dept. Leading with an Attitude of Servitude Award – Steve Moore
• Westfield Police Dept. Above and Beyond Award – Brett Bays
• Westfield Washington Schools Shamrock Excellence Award – Linda Konkle
Sole said the recipients were based on nominations from the public and the Lantern Awards added a new category – new business of the year, which will honor Grand Junction Brewing Co.
“It’s the first time since 2006 we’ve had that category,” she said. “They’ve brought in a lot of attendance and energy to our downtown, which is important right now.”
The signature event, initially called “Community Night,” began in 1982. The event was redesigned in 2007 and became known as the Lantern Awards. Also incorporated into the event is a 50/50 raffle to support the chamber’s academic scholarship. Tickets are $60 per person and can be reserved by calling the chamber at 804-3030.
