Tuolumne County Chamber Recognizes Local Excellence At Awards Gala

Photo by: BJ Hansen

Sonora, CA — The Awards Gala of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce returned in 2024, and several local leaders were honored at a dinner held Saturday evening at the Tuolumne Resilience Center.

For decades, the dinner was an annual staple in the community, and it returned this year for the first time since prior to the COVID pandemic. Chamber Board President, Mathew Galvan, in opening statements, proclaimed, “The Chamber is back!”

The night was emceed by local actress, and former longtime radio personality, Maryann Curmi, and there were also presentations by CEO Natasha Eaves, and Chamber Ambassador Gat Slor.

Special Service Awards were handed out to longtime chamber leaders, including Monique Robertson, Dave Souther, and Dick and Carol Southern. Two others, who could not be in attendance, were also recognized, Margaret Davis and Craig Fleming.

Then came the time to announce the 2024 award winners who have demonstrated local community excellence.

The 2024 Teacher of the Year is Tamara Hansen, a kindergarten teacher, at Curtis Creek Elementary School.

The Citizen of the Year is Phil Hickenbottom of Sonora Junk Removal, who has been working on projects with the non-profit 1PileAtaTime.

The Excellence in Government Award winner is David Vasquez, the recently appointed Tuolumne County Sheriff.

The Non-Profit of the Year is Nancy’s Hope, presented to the founder, Nancy Scott.

The Entrepreneurs of the Year are Blake and Jessica Thompson for their company Penny B’s handcrafted soaps in Columbia.

The Business of the Year is Local Press restaurant in Twain Harte, presented to owner Cameron McClean.

Those honored were nominated by community members and voted on by the business organization. An earlier story detailed the finalists for the different categories.

The night featured a catered dinner and conversations about the Chamber’s past and future. On hand were a mix of local business and government leaders.