The Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center conducted the annual “Community Awards Luncheon last Thursday at Minnewaska House Brewing Co. + Grill.

There were five awards presented, including Chamber Member Business of the Year, Community Service Award, Friend of the Welcome Center, and (2) Youth of the Year awards. 

Marthaler Chevrolet of Glenwood was presented with the Business of the Year Award;  Josh, Jen and Owen Chan with Bit of Grace were presented with the Community Service Award; and Daisy Lin and Colton Schroeder were named as “Youth of the Year” for the Minnewaska area.

The award recipients are nominated by community members and then voted on by the board. 

When announcing the Chamber Member Business of the Year, Jen Jabas, current president of the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center board, said the award exemplifies
the spirit of  community collaboration, actively participating in the chamber and making a significant impact on the Glenwood area.”

Business of the Year

goes to Marthaler Chevrolet

Marthaler Chevrolet consistently has strong representation at Chamber events and provided the following information about Marthaler Chevrolet.

“Marthaler Chevrolet consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the Chamber’s mission by supporting its initiatives and programs. They are a generous philanthropic partner, sponsoring local events, charities, and educational programs. They are a significant job creator in Glenwood, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy. Marthaler Chevrolet actively supports local causes and organizations, such as the Chamber Cup Golf Tournament, Waterama, Glacial Ridge Hospice Ride -Riding for a Cause, Glenwood & Beyond- Food on the Fairway, Harvest Ball, Glenwood Rotary Cash Bash, Hearts & Hands Pope County Food Shelf, Salvation Army Kettle and Marthaler Chevrolet of Glenwood Nonprofit FUN-raiser in 2023 that raised over $5,000 that was split between Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Central Square…Just to name a few. Marthaler goes beyond simply being a business; they are true community leaders. They have contributed to community projects like, Glenwood Pickle ball Project, Glacial Hill Elementary Expansion, Glenwood Rotary Picnic Table Project, Barsness Park Splash Pad…and more.  Marthaler Chevrolet of Glenwood embodies the essence of community collaboration. Their active Chamber involvement, commitment to philanthropy, and leadership in community projects make them a great nominee for the Chamber Member Business of the Year Award. They are a true asset to Glenwood, fostering a vibrant and prosperous community.”

Bit of Grace wins 

Community Service Award

Josh, Jen and Owen Chan with Bit of Grace were recipients of the Community Service Award, selected from a field of 10 local community nominations.

Information from the Bit of Grace website: “Our vision is to ensure that everyone is able to communicate their needs in a time of crisis. By providing public safety agencies with proven tools to help de-escalate stressful situations and providing alternative methods of communication, we are bridging the gap to bring our community together. Our dream is to educate and provide resources to assist with encounters to make them a more positive experience for everyone involved. In collaboration with various therapists and input from those with disabilities, we have selected various communication and sensory tools to help those during a crisis or emergency situation. Our kits help the adult or child with sensory regulation and provide ample sources for communication to allow for self-advocacy with getting the person’s needs met. It is a widely accepted belief in the disability world that behind every behavior is an unmet need. Meaning once the need is identified and met, the behavior no longer serves its original purpose. Often families or those with disabilities will find themselves isolated from their communities. This is often due to stigma or preconceived notions. We hope these kits break through all barriers to allow everyone to be as active and a part of their community as they desire.”

Jean Noland receives award for “Friend of the Welcome Center

“I have the honor and privilege to give out the first Welcome Center award called “Friend of the Welcome Center,” said Kay Blauert, executive director of the Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center. “It was not hard to decide who would get this first “Friend of the Welcome Center award”.  Around six years ago this new couple to Glenwood had a welcome visit.  At that visit they talked about the newcomer groups they had been active in.  I really wanted to do more with our new community members, so we set up a group of newcomers a few from our board of directors and met with a group from Alexandria. 

“We wanted our Newcomers to include anyone who was new to the area, both men, women and families, of all ages.  This June will be our 5th Annual Newcomers Get-Together. We have a mailing list, an interest list of most of our newcomers we have met or have joined in the activities. Currently we have several groups that meet and do activities on their own, such as two book clubs, coffee hour, happy hour, biking group, explorers group, to name a few.  

“Our Friend of the Welcome Center has volunteered for many Welcome Center activities and events.   I think the most important success of this group is the good friendships that developed through these events and activities.   Today our first “Friend of the Welcome Center” award goes to Jean Noland, who has been a wonderful ambassador for Glenwood,” Blauert said

Check out more photos in our photo gallery!