The Green River Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards luncheon April 20, recognizing residents and organizations for their service to the community.
2022 Volunteer of The Year Brent Skorcz
Volunteerism is defined as the contribution of time, effort and personal talents to a new cause or mission without the expectation of personal or financial gain. This simple act not only enriches our society, but it brings us together and helps keep business and other organizations afloat. One of
the better-known benefits of volunteering is the positive impact on the community and the individual volunteers. Volunteers support our communities & add to them in their own unique way by offering an unparalleled mix of skill, knowledge and experience. The Green River
Chamber of Commerce has proudly promoted, supported and celebrated community engagement and involvement with an annual Volunteer of The Year Award.
In some cases, great volunteers have the innate ability to unknowingly spread their knowledge and passion to all those around them. These impacts are far reaching and help to breathe life into the true spirit of volunteerism.
It is no big secret that Green River boasts some of the best single track mountain bike riding in the western United States. The Wilkins Peak Trail System was voted the most popular mountain bike trail system in Wyoming. This well known fact was not merely an accident though, and the visionary individual I am about to introduce has been very instrumental in creating these mountain bike trail systems and putting our “Little Piece Of Heaven In The 307” on the map once again.
This individual got his first mountain bike in 1986 during the “Birth of Modern Mountain Biking.” He began his quest for this off-road two -wheel outdoor adventure, by riding local game trails, dirt bike trails and old two-tracks with a few good friends. These repurposed primitive pathways were carved out of the rough backdrop of our unique Wyoming landscapes. This adventure soon led to the creation of their’ own trails, trails for the specific purpose of mountain biking in mind. It spawned the creation of trails such as “Brent & Mikes’ Trail,” “Cruiser,” “Draino," “Pick Your Poison,” and others. Fellow riders and close friends Mike Romango, John Jennings, Tom McIntosh, Jim and Cari Dunks and Joey Faust were all part of the initial Trail Blazers who rode, mapped and Built trails together. The individual we are recognizing today formed the SMBA, which is a non-profit established for the ethical use of public lands and the education and preservation of the sport of mountain biking, in 2008. Shortly after in 2009, with the help of the city, trail consultants Jim Dunks and Joey Faust, they designed and created the Green River Bike Park to be enjoyed by the community. Many years of dedication and perseverance have been poured into the local trail systems and the current map has grown exponentially.
In an effort to introduce newcomers to this incredible sport, Trail Days was introduced to the community in 2018. This annual event was created to generate awareness of the Wilkins Peak Trail System and mountain biking in Southwest Wyoming. This amazing event allows riders of all abilities to seek information & guidance to a new recreational outlet that can be enjoyed right in our own back yard! It also helps to raise funds for the club to continue building trails and promoting their passion.
When he is not out ripping on the local trails this individual works with different entities to legalize bike trails, build signage and developed maps for the Wilkins Peak Bike Trail System. He can often be found cleaning up the trails and surrounding areas so others can enjoy the areas just as nature intended us to, untouched. He is always helping to promote tourism in Sweetwater County by representing responsible mountain bike riding as a healthy lifestyle, while also helping to protect our natural resources. He enjoys riding, showing tourist the trails, going on bike trips to Sedona, Moab, Fruita, and other places. His passion for the area and his great stewardship of our natural resources make him a great candidate for this recognition.
Tom Whitmore Post 28 of the American Legion is the 2022 Organization of the Year
The Legion website explains, Post 28 never had a building to call home, but after the purchase of the old downtown bingo hall and 18 months of hard work, they created a space where people feel like they belong. Since acquiring their new home, membership has grown over 900%. They have started a Legion Auxiliary unit, a Sons of the American Legion squadron, and one of the largest American Legion Riders chapter in Wyoming.
The Tom Whitmore Post partners with local schools, teaching flag etiquette, and governmental awareness through Girls State. The Post sponsors sports teams, works with local troops, and supports high school rodeo programs. They have distributed financial assistance in many ways. From helping stranded truckers, adopting senior citizens for the holidays, buying winter coats for children in need, to assisting a veteran and his family to replace a broken water heater. The Auxiliary unit manages “Brenda’s Closet” a space which lends formal and semiformal dresses to those who need them in the community. The Post also offers two college scholarships to high school seniors who have a family member associated with the Legion.
One of the biggest contributions from the Tom Whitmore Post comes from the annual Music For Vets event. An evening with a full line up of bands, raffles, community and fun; they raise money designated for Veterans Relief. By the end of the 8th annual Music For Vets this
past January, over $40,000 (gross) was raised.
Most recently, they hosted the Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony. Inviting veterans of all eras, military, spouses, and families; this ceremony extended a welcome home, and an immeasurable thank you to all those who have served.
The impact the Post has in our community, and for our veterans especially, is quintessential. Our citizens appreciate all of the support the Legion provides, as well as the neighborly Post to hang around.
Stellar Coffee for the 2022 Stand Out Business Award
Stellar Coffee is a pure example of turning pain into power. Sami and Ian opened their business in 2017. They named their business Stellar Coffee after their baby girl. They have now expanded into two locations and have a mobile trailer that you will often see at all the community functions and
events. They go above and beyond supporting our community with numerous fundraisers raising money for different organizations, schools, sports teams and families in Green River. They are always promoting and collaborating with other small businesses. In just the last three months alone
Stellar Coffee has raised money for Lincoln Middle School, Make A Wish, Washington Elementary, and PTO. Not to mention workers honoring and appreciating postal and supporting a local family.
Sami and Ian are great examples and inspirations with your beautiful family and providing our community with tasty drinks, treats and all of your love and contributions. Your acts of service stand out and encourage others in our community to give back.
White Mountain Lumber and Rentals as the 2022 Outstanding Business
White Mountain Lumber and Rentals in 1990 as a locally owned and operated lumberyard. Over the years they have expanded, and now include a rental department specializing in party goods, landscaping equipment and power tools. They also rent kayaks, float tubes, inflatable paddle boards and rafts. These rentals offer locals & tourists alike the opportunity to relax and enjoy more of beautiful resources Green River has to offer.
They boast a very knowledgeable sales staff with over 150 years of combined experience. The employees are always eager to assist you in selecting the correct materials for your unique project. They also offer tips and tricks to assist you in completing your task.
This local business is no stranger to community involvement. They are longtime sponsors for many local events, organizations & charities. Some of these include River Festival, Sleep In Heavenly Peace, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
The owner of this local business has played an active role in the Green River Chamber of Commerce as well. Sitting on the board of directors and being an active Chamber Ambassador as a member of the Hole In The Wall Gang for 30 years. They make regular donations to the local Food Bank with proceeds from their annual golf tournament mulligan sales. Their long history of community involvement and their willingness to add a positive aspect to our little community here in Wyoming make this business an excellent candidate for this award.
It is with great honor that we present White Mountain Lumber and Rentals as the 2022 Outstanding Business of the Year Please join me in a big round of applause as we recognize this amazing achievement.
Angelina Quintana Bennett is the 2022 Distinguished Citizen
Angelina Quintana Bennett is a woman of many talents and interests. In her over 50 years in Green River she has been involved in numerous committees and organizations which have made Green River a better place to live.
A talented artist, Angie has interpreted many local scenes in her paintings. She has participated in many art shows such as the annual art on the Green and the YWCA Arts and Crafts Fair, which was a big local event for many years.
She has mounted exhibits of her work for the Sweetwater County Library and the Community Fine Arts Center. She is a well-loved teacher, instructing art classes for Western Wyoming Community College and the Golden Hour Senior Center.
She is a member of St. John's Episcopal Church and has served multiple terms on the Vestry of that organization. However, her major role has been the director the St. John's Thrift Shop for the past 15 years. She recruits and schedules volunteers and oversees the operation of the shop which
makes yearly donations to local and statewide charities.
Angie is an excellent example of someone who enriches her community by generously investing her time and talents. She is indeed an outstanding citizen of Green River.
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