The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala and business awards meeting last week at the Uintah Conference Center. This year’s business award winners were Market on Main, Dinoland Bowl, Burdick Materials, Vernal Urgent Care, BHI, Uintah Engineering & Land Surveying, and the Innovation HUB. Justin Osmond was the keynote speaker and delivered an inspiring speech about endurance and overcoming challenges. Always the highlight of the night, a new Total Citizen of the Year was announced and the Lifetime Achievement Award was given out. This year’s Total Citizen of the Year is Joel Brown. Joel has served the community in many ways, including as a former Vernal Chamber Director and one who helped found the Rural Utah Chamber Coalition to ensure the voices of rural Utah are heard on State and Federal issues. Joel continues to ensure rural voices are heard as he serves as Senator Mike Lee’s representative in northern and eastern regions of Utah. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Darlene Burns. Darlene has served the community on countless committees for many years. One example is her service as Chairwoman of Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley. Darlene also notably served the community as a Uintah County Commissioner. Congratulations to Joel Brown and Darlene Burns as well deserved recipients of these awards!
