ST. GEORGE — From a halftime show that started a conga line to awarding five businesses in five categories for their work in the community, the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Gala saw a sold-out crowd.

Farmstead takes home the Rising Star award at the Gala on Jan. 20 in St. George, Utah | Photo by Bridger Palmer, St. George News

Compared with previous years, the 2024 version was unique.

“This year we turned the focus to our businesses that make our economy great,” Shawn Christensen, CEO of the chamber, told St. George News. “Usually we do our entertainment at the end, but we thought we’d take a break in the middle to get the energy flowing. The band did a great job.”

Christensen also gave the opening remarks.

“I’d like to begin by saying thank you to our mayors, other elected officials and taking time out of your days to be here,” he said. “We’re an incredibly busy chamber.”

He then yielded the floor to 2023 Board Chair Shonie Christensen of Shonie Insurance Group to pass the gavel to the incoming 2024 Chair Brad Harker.

“I’m really excited to be the outgoing board chair,” she said. “There is something for everyone at the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce. You’re in good hands.”

Added Harker: “I’m fundamentally passionate about helping people and businesses find purpose in what they do, the strategies to navigate the inevitable adversity that they face to ultimately figure that out.”

The event then transitioned into an awards ceremony where three finalists across five categories were selected.

St. George Bakery Farmstead earned the Rising Star Award, which honors a promising new business (five years or fewer) that achieved rapid growth and success in its first few years of operation.

The Paragon Award honored a long-standing business (15 years or longer) that has become a pillar of the community. This year’s recipient was the Huntsman Senior Games, dedicated to “being the world leader in active aging.”

Ram Aviation Space and Defense was the winner of the Hometown Hero Award, which recognized an outstanding business that made a difference through its service.

The halftime show was performed by Nic Chamberlain, Alex Chamberlain and Jamieson Trotter, who sang and played songs like “Go Johnny Go,” “Viva Las Vegas” and more. This was a change in planning from previous years where the entertainment came at the end of the event. The change was a welcome one, with dozens of people dancing in the back of the venue and a conga line even formed, snaking through the tables as the band sang.

Next was the Trailblazer Award, given by Utah Tech University, to honor an innovative business creating positive change. It was given to TechRidge, the 180-acre former airport site overlooking downtown St. George.

Last was the Thrive Award, which honored a business that had achieved outstanding growth and success over the past year, for businesses open five or more years. Tag ‘N’ Go Car Wash took home the award.

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