Six of Brighton’s best business and community leaders received awards at the 2021 Brighton Annual Gala Awards Gala, hosted by the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, at the Adams County Waymire Dome Nov. 5.
“It was a great night to reconnect with one another after 18 months of being in pandemic unknowns, “ said Shianna Sepulveda, the Brighton chamber’s community concierge.
United Power received the People Choice Award of the Year by working hard to keep the lights on for the community, according to a statement.
“The linkage to our business members provided by local chambers of commerce is a significant asset for United Power. We truly value the opportunity to network with businesses of all sizes through our membership and participation in the Brighton Chamber of Commerce,” said United Power Government and Regulatory Affairs Officer Troy Whitmore. “We thank the chamber for this prestigious award and pledge to continue to support this organization in the future.”
The community members celebrated the awards and had fun with a circus of acts, such as caricatures, and a balloon artist creating forms out of balloons. There was also a performance by Dan Jasperson a magician and mentalist entertained with shock and awe tricks.
Melissa Rippy Allstate earned the Small Business of the Year Award. The Rippy Agency opened in Brighton Nov. 1, 2013. After the first year in business Rippy’s Agency received the People’s Choice Small Business of the Year award from the chamber. Before opening the agency Rippy was an insurance claims adjuster, investigating auto and home claims for about 11 years.
“The Rippy Agency was honored to be nominated amongst fellow small business owners, and we are thrilled to receive this award. We’d like to thank our clients, the community, the Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce, United Power, and the city of Brighton for this recognition,” said Rippy in the statement.
Almost Home took home the Outstanding Organization of the Year for its efforts to provide for people in need of shelter.
“We want to thank the community for their financial and goods support and also volunteering your time. We could not do this without the community support, It’s helping people who are facing housing instability,” said Almost Home Deputy Executive Director Rachel Monroe.
Dan Cochran picked up the Ambassador of the Year Award for his work as chamber ambassador to help new members network and grow into Brighton’s business community.
“I’m truly humbled that they pick me as Ambassador, the chamber is a great group of people. It’s fun being part of the chamber,” said Cochran.
Blackjack’s Pizza Manager Desiree Sirow brought home the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award for her contribution to the communities.
“It’s quite overwhelming and an honor,” Sirow said in the statement.
Cinn-A-Brew Susan Keith owner and Brandi Blackston received the New Business of the Year Award. She has been in business since last April brewing up fresh coffee, baking giant cinnamon rolls and also a variety of baked goods and sandwiches.
“We were stunned. We are honored to be recognized. We want to thank the community and the chamber for their support,”said owner Susan Keith, Cinn-A-Brew.
“The Brighton Chamber wishes to say thank you to all of the incredible sponsors who made the event possible and to all of the wonderful guests that were the real stars of the show,” the statement said.