Staff Reports
Sharkey's Casino received a new honor to go with its new paint job when General Manager Bernie Curtis was named supervisor of the year by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Curtis is a longtime Douglas County resident who has served in public life for most of his time here. A retired Douglas County Sheriff's officer, he served as undersheriff, planning commissioner, was elected to the county commission twice, was chief deputy in Carson City and was deputy director of the Nevada Department of Public Safety.
"As general manager of Sharkey's, his commitment to tourism and business excellence cannot be denied," Chamber President Nick Pchelkin.
Minden Internet café 88 Cups Coffee & Tea was named business of the year by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce at its annual gala at Genoa Lakes on Nov. 2.
Owners Angel Syang and Cho Lee received the award.
The cafe has been in business since August 2005. Computer engineers Cho Lee and Angel Syang moved to Carson Valley from the Bay area and established the business because they felt the Valley needed more connections, both for computers and people.
Chamber Director Jenney Sartin said the couple contributed to the success of Minden Village.
"We recognized them because of their superior commitment to business community and surrounding businesses," she said. "Their commitment to business excellence extends beyond their business doors."
Pchelkin presented the award to tourism business of the year to Topaz Lodge & Casino.
General Manager Rick Ross accepted the award for he Topaz Lake business, which was closed for a period of 2007 due to a fire. But the lodge reopened with a new look.
"This award is a testament to determination and a strong commitment to the many visitors and guests who regularly enjoy the many amenities of the Topaz Lodge," Pchelkin said.
Ross thanked the Lodge's employees for their hard work after the fire.
Minden grocery store worker 16-year-old Nick Fleischmann was named employee of the year. Nick started work for Sierra Nevada Trading Co. in May and was nominated by the store managers.
"He says he particularly enjoys working with the butchers in the store's exceptional meat department, and truly appreciates the guidance, support and encouragement given to him by the stores managers, Kevin, Holly, Pam and Monte," Sartin said in introducing him.
The Boys & Girls Club of Carson Valley was named service club of the year by the chamber. Board members Brenda Robertson and Sherry Dilley accepted the award on behalf of the club.
"Their ultimate mission of our next award recipient is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens," Sartin said.
While work on a club in the Valley has been underway for years, the club actually opened its doors on June 25 at Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School on June 25.
About 65 children attended the opening. Sartin said there are 325 members today with an average attendance of 85 a day.
Gardnerville soldier Daniel Tingle was named unsung hero of the year by the chamber. Tingle was injured on Jan. 5, 2007.
Tingle could not attend the award ceremony, but his mother Tina Luce and grandfather Bill Lepore accepted the award on his behalf.
"We cannot begin to know or understand the sacrifices made by the fine young men and women who serve our country in the military, and they humble us with their courage," Pchelkin said.
Sponsors for the awards and gala dinner included: The Record-Courier, Wells Fargo, Bing Materials, Ridge Tahoe/Resorts West, Syncon Homes, Starbucks Coffee Company, International Minute Press.
Contributors included: Tahoe Ridge Winery, Artisans International, Bing Materials, Douglas County Historical Society, Embassy Suites, Genoa Lakes Golf Course, the Greater Genoa Business Association, Thai Jasmine, and Ridge Tahoe/Resorts West and Big George Ventures.
