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ALVA CHAMBER
Citizen's Choice Awards Gala

The Alva Chamber of Commerce loves to recognize and honor citizens and businesses who have significantly contributed to the community in the past year by hosting the Citizen's Choice Awards Gala.

Community members have the opportunity to nominate those who will receive the awards each year, typically beginning in January. From the nominations received, the TOP 3 in each category are announced for a second round of voting through the month of February. The winners are  announced at the Gala.

Because we have so many fabulous people and businesses, those who have won a category within the last five years are not eligible to win that again.

The Retro Rewind to the 1980s celebrated our citizens and businesses who always go far out to serve the Alva community and beyond!​  The event was held at 4 Generations Organic Farms on March 28, 2025 and was an absolute blast. A big thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to this fabulous event!

Congratulations to all our nominees and winners!

2025 Award Winners

Scroll through the Bios of our 2025 Nominees!

Nomination Categories

Here's a look at the description of each category.

Arts, Theatre, and Music

This is a person (or group) who has shown exceptional talent and leadership in the Arts, Theatre, and Music fields.

Community Positive Impact 

This is a person (or group) who has shown exceptional positive impact within the community in 2024.

Educator of the Year 

This is an educator who has made a positive impact on students and colleagues in our community

Healthcare Professional of the Year 

This is an award dedicated to a healthcare professional, not limited to only human health of all kinds but also animal health.

Public Safety Professional of the Year 

This is a person who keeps the public safe (i.e. police, firefighter, EMS, prison guard, etc.)

Entertainment Business of the Year  

This is a business who creates an atmosphere of entertainment. The Entertainment Business of the Year must be a current Chamber member. 

Retail Business of the Year

This is a business who is a retailer in our community. The Retail Business of the Year must be a current Chamber member.

Service Business of the Year 

This is a business who provides a service to the community. The Service Business of the Year must be a Chamber Member.

Stores without Doors Business of the Year 

The Stores without Doors Business of the Year award began in 2024 to honor those individuals who may have a business but don't have a storefront or who may be an individual contractor within an established business.

Citizen of the Year

This person should exhibit qualities that include but are not limited to active community involvement, strong leadership, dedication to improving the lives of others, a commitment to social responsibility, a positive influence on the community, demonstrating a deep care and commitment to Alva.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This living person should exhibit qualities that include but are not limited to noteworthy contributions to Alva over a significant period of time, showcasing exceptional leadership, impactful innovation, mentorship, and dedication to Alva with a lasting positive influence accompanied by a strong reputation for ethical conduct and commitment to excellence.

Former Winners

Since the Citizen's Choice Awards Chamber Gala was brought back to life in November of 2015, many quality candidates have been recognized. The nomination and awards process has evolved over time, as well. Many of the categories have changed, and in the beginning, we only had a nomination process. The Top 3 recognition began in 2020.

2024 Awards Winners

On April 4, 2024, with the theme of the Roaring 20s, members of the Alva Community gathered at 4 Generations Organic dressed to impress, anxiously awaiting each award to be given. After weeks of nominations and voting, these were the award winners selected by Alva citizens.

2023 Awards Winners

These award winners, selected by Alva citizens, were presented at the annual gala on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

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2022 Awards Winners

Arts, Music, & Theatre

Kimberly Weast

Community Positive Impact

Karen Koehn

Educator of the Year

Janet Cunningham

Healthcare Professional of the Year

Terry Lohmann

Public Safety Professional of the Year

Rudy Briggs, Jr.

Large Business of the Year

Windy Ford

Small Business of the Year

The Vanilla Bean

Citizen of the Year

Joe Phillips

Lifetime Achievement

Charles Tucker

2021 Awards Winners

Arts, Music, & Theatre

Mickey Jordan

Educator of the Year

Krista Starbuck

Healthcare Professional of the Year

Brentney Lowenstein

Public Safety Professional of the Year

Patrick Harris

Youth Entrepreneur

Cade & Mackinze Mackey

Business of the Year

Alva's Market

Citizen of the Year

Jesse Jones

Lifetime Achievement

Thamazin Harrison

2020 Awards Winners

Arts, Music, & Theatre

Nick Bradt

Educator of the Year

Ron Rader

Healthcare Professional of the Year

Ruthie Spurgeon

Public Safety Professional of the Year

Adam Honeyman

Youth Entrepreneur

Kayla Leeper

Business of the Year

Holder Drug

Citizen of the Year

Adam Jordan

Lifetime Achievement Award

Marione Martin

2019 Awards Winners

Arts, Music, & Theatre

Nescatunga Humanities Council

Educator of the Year

Shane Feely

Healthcare Professional of the Year

Paige Kruckenberg

Law Enforcement Professional of the Year

Kris Franta

Firefighter of the Year

​Jordan Leon

Youth Entrepreneur

Caleb Chapman

Citizen of the Year

Joelle Randall

Lifetime Achievement

Rose Blunk

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