The Blue Ribbon Awards were created in 2007 to honor excellence in business on the South Shore. The awards program recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals for achievements, community contributions, and milestones. It is one of the largest business awards program on the South Shore bringing together over 300 local business leaders, entrepreneurs, organizations, community members and government officials.
Award Categories & Finalists 2023
Community Enrichment Award
A business, non-profit, or agency that has worked to improve the South Shore community.
- Has made significant contributions to sustain and strengthen the local community
- Promotes cultural diversity and programs that foster inclusivity
- Responds to needs of the community through advocacy or long-term strategies
- Demonstrates commitment to community through investment of resources, community dialogue, and partnerships.
FINALISTS:
Bread & Broth
Lake Link
St Joseph’s Community Land Trust
Customer Service Award
Sponsored by Heavenly & Kirkwood Mountain Resorts
An individual who consistently provides quality service.
- Treats each customer, guest and peer with respect
- Seeks opportunities to exceed expectations
- Handles crisis and challenges with integrity
FINALISTS:
Alyson Borawski, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Denise Rury, Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
Karla Brennan, The Cork & More
Entrepreneur Award
An innovative individual who assumed the risk of starting a new business.
(Business must have been in existence for a minimum of 2 years)
- The business creatively filled a need in our community
- Exhibits resourcefulness and perseverance in overcoming challenges
- Has potential for future investment
- Has created jobs and has plans to create future jobs (please provide quantifiable data on number of jobs created including owner/operator)
FINALISTS:
Marissa Fox, Partner at Scale LLP
South Lake Brewing Company
Untethered
Excellence in Business Award
A business that has made a substantial contributions to the overall good of business and the economic well-being of the community. (Business must be established and in operation for at least three (3) years)
- Corporate stewardship
- Operational excellence
- Dedication to employees
- Commitment to customer service
- Philanthropy/ community involvement
FINALISTS:
Café Fiore
Cold Water Brewery and Grill
MacDuff’s Public House
New Business of the Year Award
A new business that has gained an increasingly positive reputation and who exhibits distinction.
(Business must have been in operation for less than three(3) years)
- Innovation
- Management
- Marketing
- Customer service
- Integrity
FINALISTS:
Maggie’s Restaurant at Desolation Hotel
Pine Nut Cycle Café
Tahoe Family Hearing Clinic
Public Agency Service Award
Sponsored by South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
An individual that provides quality service in the not so usual places (Police, Fire, DMV, City, County, TRPA, etc.).
- Treats each customer, guest and peer with respect
- Seeks opportunities to exceed expectations
- Handles crisis and challenges with integrity
FINALISTS:
City of South Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe Community College
South Shore Transportation Management Association
Tourism Award
An innovative program, promotion or product for our visitors.
- Provides unique consumer experiences that encourage new visitors and generates repeat visitors
- Promotes collaboration with local partners
- Contributes to the local economy (please use specific examples or quantifiable data)
- Recognizes responsible and sustainable tourism practices and initiatives.
- Supports the Tahoe South image
FINALISTS:
Anderson’s Bicycle Rentals
Flatstick Pub
Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA)
Volunteer of the Year Award
An individual dedicated to making a positive impact on the agency they serve and on the community at large.
- Volunteers their time to improving the community through various contributions and community service
- Considered to be mentor to others based upon their volunteer efforts
- Demonstrates qualities of compassion, commitment to service, creativity, cooperation, or leadership.
FINALISTS:
Andrea Drew, Drew Consulting, Inc.
Beth Wallace, Bread & Broth
Brandi Brown, Tahoe Production House
Phoenix Award
A special award designated by the Tahoe Chamber Chairperson will also be announced at the event.
Thank you to our sponsors
