By Shaun Delliskave | [email protected]

Glitz and glamour were on full display at the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce annual gala, whose theme was “Dress to Impress.” The gala was held Oct. 1 at Pierpont Place, where the Chamber honored Murray’s businesses while raising money for local charities.

“The feedback we received from the gala attendees has been outstanding; they loved the event, some said it’s the best event they have ever seen,” Murray Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Matt Gibbons said.

After being dormant during the pandemic, the 2022 gala was meant to unite the community, help businesses network and grow, and honor companies and people who have made a difference this year.

Businesses and people honored by the Chamber include: Legacy Of Excellence for Perseverance - Ben McGarry; Legacy Of Excellence for Generosity - AAA Restoration; Legacy Of Excellence for Leadership - Ken Bruch; Legacy Of Excellence for Service - Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries; Legacy Of Excellence for Large Employer of the Year - Associated Food Stores.

“These people and businesses were selected because of their contribution to the community,” Gibbons said. “The honorees were chosen by businesses that sponsored the event, the city, and the Chamber to give recognition to people or businesses that have made a significant difference in our community.”

This year’s Chamber gala sponsors included Precision Heating & Cooling, Intermountain Healthcare, SelectHealth, Security National Financial Corp, Trillion Mortgage, and TD Williamson.

“Moving forward, we have business networking events that happen each week. Next year we will have another gala. We also have an annual golf tournament; each October is the Haunted Woods at Murray Park; and in January, there will be a legislative meeting. Knowing the amazing people that are part of the Chamber, I’m certain we will come up with another couple amazing events, all designed to help the businesses in our area and our community,” Gibbons said.

Jim and Jennifer Brass were awarded the Chamber’s “Legacy of Excellence for Humanitarian” award. The Brasses helped found the Murray Children’s Pantry, which received proceeds from the gala’s event. Also benefiting were Elevated Mountain Guides, which provides trauma-informed climbing opportunities, and Yellow for Life, a suicide prevention and awareness group.

Gibbons explained, “The Chamber Gala Committee chose these nonprofits because we felt they made a significant difference in our community. For example, the Murray Children’s Pantry hands out about 7,500 bags of food per month. We raised $15,000 at this event.”

Murray City first responders Kevin Davis and Brian MacNeil were awarded the “Legacy Of Excellence for Paramedic of the Year” and “Legacy Of Excellence for Firefighter of the Year” awards. 

Recently, the Chamber faced rocky times, replacing two presidents. However, the Chamber rebounded with new Board Chairman Brett Lechtenberg and board members Leonard Leslie, George Wilkinson, Sheri Van Bibber, Jenn Kikel-Lynn, Stacey Pasalich, Amber Lewis, Luke Thomas, and City Councilor Pam Cotter.

“The Chamber was moving forward during the pandemic; like most businesses, it was a challenging time,” Gibbons said.

The Murray Area Chamber of Commerce is a referral-driven networking and educational resource dedicated to the success of affiliated businesses. The Chamber extends beyond Murray City boundaries, and membership is open locally, regionally and nationally.

“We believe the future looks bright for the Chamber. We have a strong group of people that are working on being the voice of businesses in the area and providing top-level training and education to assist businesses in continuing to thrive,” Gibbons said. “One way the community can stay in the loop on what we’re up to is to subscribe to the Chamber newsletter.”

More information about the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.murrayareachamber.com.