Mayor Pete Rust, left, presents the Distinguished Citizens Award to Bill Lewis, right.
Amber Kramer State Farm received the Breakthrough Business Award.
Golden Hour Senior Center received the Organization of the Year award.
Badass Brews received the Pacer Award.
Joe Olivas was named Volunteer of the Year.
Searle Brothers received the Outstanding Business Award.
Several individuals and businesses that have consistently given back to the Green River community were honored at this year's Green River Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon.
"Community isn't just somewhere we live, it's something that we can build together," Joe Olivas said during the event.
The annual luncheon, hosted last Wednesday, brought together a crowd to celebrate the award recipients and recognize the work they've done to help build the community.
Distinguished Citizen
Arguably the highest honor given at the Chamber Awards Luncheon, the Distinguished Citizen of the Year award was given to Bill Lewis, "a remarkable man whose commitment to Green River has spanned decades and whose impact is felt in every corner of our beloved town," Mayor Pete Rust said when presenting the award.
Lewis is the founder of Riverside Nursery, a proponent of downtown revitalization, a member of the Green River Greenbelt Task Force Board of Directors, an organizer of collaborative projects, and more. His efforts have helped promote a love of nature, played an instrumental role in downtown projects, spearheaded efforts to preserve and enhance natural resources, and connected volunteers, Rust explained in the presentation.
"His tireless efforts to improve our community, his unwavering belief in its potential, and his dedication to fostering collaboration among its members make him a deserving recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Citizen Award," Rust concluded.
Lewis accepted the award humbly, saying he remembers past recipients of the same award from his time growing up in Green River, and doesn't consider himself to be in the same category. He also expressed his gratitude for all those who work together to continually make Green River greater, and shared the idea that no one ever has to move to live in a better town, they just have to be part of the progress where they're at.
Volunteer of the Year
Another individual who understands the importance of working to make the community around you better is Joe Olivas, the Volunteer of the Year.
"Joe's contributions to both his profession and his community are nothing short of exemplary," Ryan Schaefer said as he presented the award. "His warm spirit, confident leadership, and unwavering commitment make him a truly deserving recipient of this award."
Schaefer explained how Olivas has managed business development with construction and engineering companies in the western region, as well as being an active member and leader in the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Southwest Wyoming Manufacturing Partnership Executive Leadership Team and the Babe Ruth Baseball Board.
Joe Olivas was named Volunteer of the Year.
Olivas took a moment to share some of his personal experiences, admitting that there was a time when he didn't want to stay in Green River, but explaining how getting involved helped shift his perspective.
"I stopped focusing on what Green River wasn't and started focusing on what it could be," he said. "When I was able to give without expecting anything in return, real magical things started to happen. It gave growth and purpose and pride. And for me the biggest thing was connection."
Having a sense of shared purpose helped make the community feel more like home, Olivas said. He ended by encouraging others, especially those who are feeling isolated, to get involved.
Organization of the Year
Olivas shifted roles from an award recipient to an award presenter in order to recognize one of the staples of the Green River community that helps people feel more connected. Golden Hour Senior Center was honored as the Organization of the Year, an award that recognizes an organization that has "demonstrated deduction, service, and a lasting commitment to our community," Olivas explained.
Golden Hour Senior Center serves meals, creates a hub for social connection and activities, offers essential services, partners with local organizations to provide resources, and generally gives seniors a place to not just survive but to truly live, Olivas shared.
"Since 1971, Golden Hour Senior Center has been a vital part of Green River, providing not just essential services but the opportunity for seniors to thrive through connection, care, and service," Olivas said.
Golden Hour Senior Center received the Organization of the Year award.
Golden Hour's Executive Director Marcia Driggs accepted the award with gratitude, and encouraged everyone to experience the center's work.
"If you haven't been up to the center and seen what we do, please come and join us," she said. "It is a gathering place for everyone, not just seniors. Bring your family, bring your friends. It's got such a warm fuzzy feeling and we want to share it with everyone."
Pacer Award
The Pacer Award, presented to a new business that has been open less than two years, was given to Russ and Danielle Hemmert of Badass Brews.
"This veteran-owned brewery has become a staple in downtown Green River, offering a unique experience that combines high-quality craft beers, delicious pub fare, and a welcoming atmosphere," Misty Shiner explained.
She added that Badass Brews is set apart by its dedication to community involvement and support for local events and initiatives.
Badass Brews received the Pacer Award.
Russ Hemmert shared that brewing beer was something he started doing as a way to deal with stress working as an EMT, and it evolved into a business and a way to bring people together.
"We just try to make everybody's experience there the best it can be," he commented.
Breakthrough Business
Amber Kramer and her team at State Farm were given the Breakthrough Business Award, which honors a business less than five years old that has made a significant impact.
In presenting the award, Ainhoa Ferrer focused on the ways that Amber Kramer and State Farm have shown their love for the community, from supporting the school district by hosting events and providing meals to supporting local partnerships and fundraisers and giving generous donations to a number of organizations.
Amber Kramer State Farm received the Breakthrough Business Award.
An employee described Amber Kramer herself as having "a big heart and a smile to match," and explained that she does what she does because "it brings her joy and happiness to give back" and because "she has an overwhelming love for her community and the people in it."
"I do love our community, and I'm thankful to have a team that also loves our community," Kramer said. "We all work together to make sure that we're helping people."
Outstanding Business
Another business that has consistently found ways to help people and give back is Searle Brothers Construction, which was awarded the Outstanding Business Award, recognizing a business that has operated for over five years and had a significant impact on the community.
Searle Brothers demonstrates philanthropy, using talents to benefit others, and altruism, giving without expecting anything in return, Tom Wilson explained.
Searle Brothers received the Outstanding Business Award.
In presenting the award, Wilson used the parable of talents from the Bible, describing how those who use their talents well are praised as good and faithful servants, which he believes Searle Brothers demonstrates. He pointed to their work on projects like the Green River Dog Park, the BMX racing track, the golf course, and most recently the Skyline Trail. Through these projects, Searle Brothers Construction has donated time, work, and resources, ultimately giving what would amount to millions of dollars back to the community.
"There is no way to put into words the gratitude this community has to extend your way, except to say thank you and congratulations," Wilson said.
"This community has given us so much," Kylie Vasa, speaking on behalf of Searle Brothes, responded. "We're so grateful to be in a position to give back."
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