Carson City Chamber of Commerce honors volunteers

At the Chamber's Annual Meeting held at Duke’s Steakhouse inside the Casino Fandango on Monday, June 21, outgoing Chairman of the Board Jim Smolenski honored special people who helped the Chamber grow during his tenure.

Honored were:

JOHN HOY – VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

If there is a need, John Hoy is there. From changing lights, fixing toilet seats, doing general office repairs at no cost to the Chamber, to setting up the bar at each monthly Mixer and so much more. John has proven to be Johnny-on-the- Spot when it comes to being there for the Chamber. He is the kind of guy that can be counted upon when no one else is willing to take charge. He has saved the Chamber many dollars and for this we award him the Volunteer of the Year Award along with a Silver Dollar courtesy of Northern Nevada Coin as a thank you for his efforts on our behalf. John is owner of Doc John’s Restorations.

Jed and Nicole Block - Jed and Nicole were the absolute hit of the joint Chamber and Visitors Bureau Christmas event held at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. It takes hours to look like Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and both wowed the kids who sat on Santa’s lap. Jed has played Santa for the Chamber at past events but this year, he and Nicole were over the top! And, yes, folks, that costume can be uncomfortable and hot!
Jed is the owner of State Agent & Transfer Company and Nicole works for the State of Nevada.

AJ Matule - AJ is seen at most of our functions collecting cash or selling raffle tickets. When asked to participate in any of our events, AJ is right there with a ready smile – no matter how early in the day! Seems AJ is always available when asked and the staff certainly appreciates her able assistance.
AJ is co-owner of East to West Embroidery.

Jonathan Boulware – While not seen much at Chamber functions, Jonathan works closely with the Chamber when needed and has added considerable value to our Saturday clean up efforts in cooperation with the Carson City Parks & Recreation Department. He has been seen personally wheeling out coffee and waters to the participants and has provided discounts and special coupons to his restaurants as a thank you to the all volunteer clean up crew. Oh yes, he’s picked up his share of trash as well keeping that area along Highway 50 at the freeway interchange spruced.
Jonathan is the General Manager of the Gold Dust West Hotel & Casino.

Carol Parks – This energetic lady is a volunteer extraordinaire and has made every Chamber event held at the Carson City Elks Lodge a memorable event. Our latest request was to ask if the Elks Lodge would host the USAF Band of the Golden West for dinner prior to their performance. Carol coordinated the successful event that was hosted by the Elks and it certainly put Carson City on the map for this great band. The conductor commented that they had never been treated with such hospitality in any town.
Carol is the Elks Lodge Manager and works as a nurse at Carson Tahoe Hospital.

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Bob Williams - Someone has to help John Hoy with the bar duties and that someone we can count on is always Bob Williams who pours a mean glass of wine and opens a mean bottle of beer! Bob also coordinated our first (and successful) Chairman’s Circle Golf Tournament in June.
Bob is the representative for JJMenus.

John and Debbie Lawrence – Helping check in guests at mixers or breakfast clubs is an important task and John and Debbie have helped to make the check ins smooth so that our members have more time to network.
John and Debbie own Autumn Funeral Home.

Anna Weinman-Gonzalez – This energetic representative of the American Cancer Society travels early from Reno to help us with Breakfast Club check-in and helps us put our best foot forward early in the morning.
Anna is the Community Relationship Manager of the American Cancer Society, Reno.