2025 Nominees and Awards Categories

The nomination process for the Top of the Town Awards involved an open call to the community, inviting individuals to put forward businesses and leaders who exemplify excellence in their respective categories. Submissions were carefully reviewed by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, who are dedicated to recognizing those who contribute significantly to Truckee’s economic vitality and community well-being. All nominees must be a member of the Truckee Chamber of Commerce in good standing. 

Top of the Town – Business of the Year

The Top of the Town – Business of the Year award represents the pinnacle of excellence among Truckee businesses. Nominees in this category are recognized as the epitome of success, consistently delivering exceptional service, products, and experiences. This award acknowledges businesses that have distinguished themselves through their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The recipient of this award is a role model for other businesses, embodying the best of what Truckee has to offer.

Bar of America
Better Way Driving School
Elements Mountain Co.
Gallery 5830′
Grocery Outlet, Truckee
Ian Casey Foundation
Little Truckee Ice Creamery
Mountain Hardware & Sports
Mountain Lotus
Palisades Village Neighborhood Company 
Tahoe Donner Association 
Tahoe Modern
Tahoe Mountain Club
The Auto & Tire Doctor

Outstanding Customer Service

This award recognizes a business or organization whose entire team consistently delivers exceptional customer service. From front-line staff to behind-the-scenes support, the team goes above and beyond to create memorable, welcoming, and positive experiences for customers. This award honors not just individual excellence but a shared commitment to hospitality, responsiveness, and community pride that leaves a lasting impression on everyone they serve.

Gratitudes Gifts & Home Decor
Guild Mortgage 
Mountain Hardware & Sports
Old Town Tap
Pacos Truckee Bike & Ski
Safeway
Sierra Senior Services
Truckee Pediatric Dentistry
Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks District
Wagon Train Coffee Shop
Word After Word Books

Business Leader/Entrepreneur of the Year

This award honors a visionary entrepreneur or business leader who has demonstrated exceptional initiative, creativity, and resilience in operating a business in Truckee. Whether introducing a new product, filling a gap in the local market, or bringing fresh energy to a long-standing challenge, this individual embodies the spirit of innovation and risk-taking. The recipient inspires others through their passion, leadership, and impact on the local economy.

Mitch Clarin
Tiffany Connolly, Refresh Station 
William Elbert, Upcycled Adventures
Shelia Greeno, Quality Automotive Servicing & German Import Garage
Vicki Isakowitz, Clever Minds Educational Services
Kristen Kempt, Cultural Threads
Eric Larusson, Villager Nursery
Jaime Legare & Stacey Larson, Soaring Seven
Dave Polivy, Tahoe Mountain Sports & Tahoe Mountain Life
Austin & Logan Reid, Zanos Family Italian and Pizzeria
Gregory P. Zirbel, Truckee-Donner Historical Society 

New Business of the Year

The New Business Award recognizes outstanding businesses that have been operating in Truckee and the surrounding community for less than two years. This category aims to acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation demonstrated by these new ventures. Nominees in this category should have shown significant growth, success, and potential in their respective industries. Business must not be more than two years old (established August 1, 2023).

Cultural Threads
Elevation Escape Tahoe – Escape Rooms
Mountain Brew
One Love Childcare Center
Peak Digital Studio
Refresh Station
Upcycled Adventures
Zander’s The BottleShop

Community First Award

The Community First Award celebrates an organization, public, private, or nonprofit, that consistently prioritizes community needs. Nominees for this award are recognized for their contributions beyond their products and services, whether through advocacy, outreach, or behind-the-scenes work. This honoree is a quiet force for good in Truckee.

Craft & Logic Taproom
Ian Casey Foundation
Headwaters Science Institute
Sierra Senior Services
Tahoe Expedition Academy
Tahoe Food Hub
Tahoe Mountain Sports
Tahoe Truckee Helping Hands
Tahoe Truckee School of Music
Thrifty Tails Boutique
The Auto & Tire Doctor
Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks District