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!
Describe your image
Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee
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.
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