Outstanding Public Service Award

Monica and Les Farnsworth Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award

Todd Massey Outstanding Public Service Award 2 nd Quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec, 2023-24) Todd Massey is a lifelong resident of the Uintah Basin and has worked as a Plant Operations Manager for 43 + years in the telecommunications Industry where he has focused on controlling costs, eliminating overages, and enhancing efficiency, increasing productivity, safety, and quality. He has been the Plant Operations Manager for Strata Networks since 2001. Todd brought BMX racing to the Uintah Basin as the owner of Basin Cycle and the Basin BMX Raceway where they awarded nearly 100 trophies each weekend. His drive to provide community service began many years ago and continues today as he currently serves as the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce Board President, is a Uintah School District board member, Utah Cable & Telecom Association board member, and is a member of the Uintah County Economic Opportunity Advisory Board and the Dinah-Mites. Todd’s children and grandchildren were heavily involved in local sports, and he participated right alongside them by being a coach for Baseball, Football, Wrestling, Softball, Soccer, and 7 th and 8 grade Boys’ Basketball. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he has serviced in many callings including Scout Master, Young men’s advisor, Stake Mission President, High Councilor, Bishop, and now serving with his wife as a Primary Teacher. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service award to Todd Massey for his continued commitment and involvement in our community.

Outstanding Public Service Award 1 st Quarter (July, Aug, Sept, 2023-24) Carson Young Carson's involvement with Vernal’s Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo began as a 6-year-old in the Mutton Busting and continued as a teenager by assisting the judges during the rough stock events and barrel racing. Carson joined the rodeo committee and board of directors in 2016 as the Treasurer and continues to serve in this role, in addition to serving as Vice President. Carson is a nearly life-long resident of Uintah County and a graduate of Uintah High School. While in High school, he competed as a bull rider in Utah High School Rodeo and was the Mathematics Sterling Scholar. Carson attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, and competed on USU's college rodeo team for one year. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salvador, Brazil, Carson's bull riding career was cut short after breaking a vertebra in his back two weeks after returning home. Shortly after Carson's bull riding injury, Carson met his beautiful wife, Malynne Chamberlain, and they have been married for over 13 years. They are the parents of six beautiful daughters, and a baby boy will be joining the family in October. Carson returned to USU and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting. While at Utah State, Carson served as a Quigley Ambassador to promote the School of Accountancy, and as the Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor society for accounting students. During this time, he participated in various service projects, including the volunteer income tax assistance program. Immediately after obtaining his master’s degree, he began working for KPMG, a large international accounting firm in Salt Lake City. Carson and his family returned to Vernal 10 years ago this month to work for a local accounting firm where he became licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Carson has been part of the BHI team since 2015 and currently works as the Director of Corporate Finance. Carson is very active in the community, through the rodeo committee, church, and other organizations. The rodeo committee supports Uintah County Search and Rescue, the Basin Junior Rodeo Association, Trees for Charity, Holly Days, Dinosaurland Freedom Festival, and many other charities. Also, he has served multiple times as a county and state delegate in the political process. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce would like to present Carson Young with the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service award for his many contributions to our community and particularly for his involvement in the success of the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo.

Lesha Coltharp is the Director of Tourism for Uintah County. Telling people about Dinosaurland and all the awesome things to see and do in the Vernal area is her passion! Lesha earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Utah State University in Business Information Systems and Marketing. She was born and raised in Uintah County and has worked in the hospitality industry since the age of 12. She loves tourism and marketing! This job combines both of those as well as event management and truly is a dream job! She wakes up every day excited to promote the Vernal area and help grow the economy in the Uintah Basin. Lesha serves on many local and state-wide boards to help grow the tourism economy in Uintah County and the State of Utah: Utah Tourism Industry Association, Utah State Parks Board, the Utah Office of Tourism Board of Directors, Downtown Revitalization committee, Chair of the Uintah High Grad Night Committee and Uintah High School Community Council, Hotel Vernal Haunt, Uintah County Fair and several local event committees. Lesha is responsible for the Utah Coop Marketing grant for Uintah County Tourism that brings in over $175,000 each year to help market Uintah County to out of state tourists. Lesha also works on grants for the Utah Outdoor Recreation grant that helps improve recreation infrastructure in the area with projects totaling over a million dollars to date. Lesha also manages the Utah Welcome Center in Jensen, co manages Buckskin Hills Recreation Complex, and has the BEST staff ever in the Uintah County Tourism Office. Without Bridget, Mike, Madi and all the interns over the years, none of the accomplishments would be possible. Visit Dinosaurland, The Origin of Adventure with Vern & Al, and the This is Vernal brand have both been created under the direction of Lesha. Dinah SOAR Days, Dinosaurland Passport to Summer, Red Fleet Paddlefest, Uintah County Summer Day Trips, JWP River Festival, Outlaw ATV Jamboree and other local events and festivals have been created by or under the leadership of Lesha. Many of the events, committees and time spent serving in the community are volunteer hours that Lesha and her family enjoy serving to help make our community a great place to live, work and play! It’s a team effort and all hands-on deck most of the time. Lesha says that this award is not only for her, but also for husband and kids. Over the last 15 years they have given up holiday’s, weekends, birthdays and free time to serve along side her. They are proud to be from Uintah County and grateful for the opportunity to serve and live in such a beautiful and giving community. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award to Lesha Coltharp for the many and varied contributions she has made to our community.

Tabitha Wilson receives Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award

Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award Joel Brown 2nd Quarter, 2022-23

JARED JACKSON RECEIVES QUARTERLY OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD 

Steve Jones started his career in the hospitality field at the age of 14 working clam bakes at the Rod & Gun Club in his home town of Groton, New York. He fell in love with the combination of people, food, and fun and creating pleasurable dining experiences became his career. Steve became a partner manager with Golden Corral in 1984. He partnered in the Nampa, Idaho and Logan, Utah Golden Corrals. He became an area supervisor in 1988 and supervised most of the Utah market and parts of Nevada. Vernal, Utah was one of the stores he supervised. Tired of excessive travel and absences from his family, Steve accepted an offer from Golden Corral to franchise the Vernal location. November 8, 1990 Steve relocated his family of 5 to Vernal and began his ownership of this location. He purchased a second location in Riverton, Wyoming in 1993. Steve converted the Historic home on 200 South and Vernal Avenue into a restaurant and operated it as Curry Manor until 2002 when he sold it. Offsite catering was added soon after arriving in Vernal and continues to be a significant service opportunity. Steve, his family and staff operated Woodfire Grill after the Golden Corral franchise expired. They operated a Quiznos franchise for seven years. Get Glazed Donuts started 2016. Get Grilled replaced Quiznos in 2018. Get Glazed and Get Grilled were moved to the Woodfire Grill location in 2020 when COVID19 forced the closure of buffet style restaurants and operates as Glazed and Grilled today. Very active in the community, Steve supports and is involved in many activities and events. He and his staff are regularly present to provide food for wild fire fighters, power plant outages and other catastrophic events. He assists many charity fund raising event such as 3K & 5 K runs sponsored by addiction recovery groups, sponsors holes at various charitable Golf Tournaments, and supports youth activities such as football, baseball and soccer. He often provides work opportunities for those in need. Active in his church, he has served in many leadership position, supported scouting, young men and young women. He and his staff donate their time frequently for charitable events. His hot air balloon has been source of respite for many. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present Steve Jones the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award. We are grateful for his continued service in our community.

Marty Partridge moved to the Uintah Basin over 22 years ago. In 2004 she began a student internship working for Wright Orthodontics while in high school and has been with the company ever since. Her position there opened the door for her to become involved in many of the community events she participates in regularly today. In 2008 she began her work with Trees for Charity designing and decorating a single tree, sponsored by Wright Orthodontics. She has helped to design and decorate trees every year since. That has led to years that she has been involved in multiple trees for various families. Since then, Wright Orthodontics’ trees have won the Children’s Choice Award twice, and the People’s Choice Award three times. Marty’s love for the charity event and its purpose continued to grow and in 2014 she joined the Trees for Charity Committee, and a year later she became secretary. She has maintained this role since, in 2021 she became secretary for the Tree Foundation Board. In the last nine years, Marty has also headed the design of four parade floats, sponsored by Wright Orthodontics, for Vernal’s 4th of July and Pioneer Day Parades. Many of which won the parade’s award of “Most Patriotic” and were also featured in the Wasatch County parades. Over the years, Marty has also been involved with various other community events including Vernal Hotel Haunt, school sporting events, charity golf tournaments, fundraisers, grad night, and school dances. Marty has also spent many years volunteering with multiple youth groups through Cub Scouts, helping in local schools, and various church callings. Marty’s greatest joy comes from her family. She and her husband have 3 spirited and charismatic boys. Some of Marty’s favorite hobbies include spending time on the mountain camping, watching her boys play baseball, quilting, and just having a good time with her family and friends. Marty loves Vernal and couldn’t imagine raising her family in a better community than what she’s found here in the Uintah Basin. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Marty Partridge with the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service award for her various and continued contributions to our community.

Marty Young, his wife Diane and youngest son, Grant first came to Vernal and the Uintah Basin in February 2001. He came to be the senior minister of Vernal Christian Church, doing so until retiring from that role this past February, a twenty year pastorate. During those years up to and continuing today, the Young’s have formed a partnership of ministry and service to various facets of Vernal Community life. From his first role in the joint leadership of a city-wide prayer vigil on the lawn of the County/State Building, on the evening of 9/11, 2001, Marty has regularly joined in civic and government meetings to open proceedings with prayer. These mirrored the more private ongoing prayer efforts in small group settings on behalf of the town, its leaders and future. In addition to leading and supporting congregationally related projects, like annual summer Bible Camps, Fall Harvest Festivals, Candle Light Christmas Eve Services open to the entire community, they have joined the efforts of other agencies to host and co-sponsor annual Back to School Supply Drives, Coat & Winter Clothing Drives as well as Turning Point Homeless Shelter, when it was in operation. Their hearts to serve have also taken them out of the Basin to Idaho to work in a Children’s Home in Eagle, and out of the country for humanitarian efforts in Haiti & Cambodia as well as educational instruction in Vienna, Austria. Marty would be the first to acknowledge that much of what he has been a part of in Vernal has merely been because he has made himself available. Looking back, it seems that when asked to join a committee or team that was seeking to make the community better than it already was, he generally said yes to the assignment and stayed with it until it surpassed the expertise or skill level he might beneficially provide or it was successfully completed. He acknowledges that he joined the Vernal Chamber of Commerce because he saw its efforts doing just that. Out of that membership has come opportunities to be involved in multiple downtown improvement projects & community life enhancement events. Following his retirement, Marty recently relocated into a downtown Vernal office space to launch some new ventures of service, thus still qualifying for Chamber membership, while observing 1st hand the needs of Vernal’s vibrant center. For 15 seasons, He has been the courtside announcer of Uintah High School boys’ basketball and last year also did UHS baseball home games. That expanded this year into announcing Channel V6 football contests, calling Duchesne, Union games as well as Uintah. He says that he loves those gigs because it gets him in free. Marty also enjoyed narrating Christmas Concerts of the Uintah Orchestra and Chorale in recent years and doing local radio spots for Evans Media Group. Marty and Diane love living in the Basin, especially Vernal, and are grateful to have lived here long enough to put down roots and be considered natives. Their greatest regret is that their 3 children and 9 grandchildren live out of the area, but they admit to having their own special “family” here. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present Marty Young the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award for his many years of serving our community. 

Cheryl Meier is a lifelong resident of Vernal with the exception of a few years while acquiring her education on the Wasatch Front. She is married to Brian Meier and they have two children, Tyler and Ashlyn. When her children started school, Cheryl became involved by volunteering in the classroom, serving as PTA President and served as Chairman of the Community councils at Ashley Elementary, Uintah Middle School and Uintah High School. Cheryl has served on the Trees for Charity Committee including as chairman for 3 years, the Holly Days Committee as volunteer coordinator and was an Ambassador for Make a Wish Foundation for the Uintah Basin Sector. Cheryl has been a member of Uintah Recreation Board of Directors for the last 6 years and recently was appointed to the Uintah County Planning and Zoning Commission. She belongs to the Dinah-Mites, Goodwill Ambassadors for the Chamber of Commerce. She has served in many capacities in her Church but her favorite callings are the ones where she is involved with the Youth. While she and Bryan were raising their children, she had the opportunity to coach them in every sport they played, hoping they would find their passion. Ultimately they chose to play tennis and ride mountain bikes, two things she had no desire to do, but, since she loves a challenge, she became the designated mom for both High School Boys and Girls tennis teams. As she watched her son mountain bike and loved what he did she became team director to a 40 rider team. At the end of 2019 she took over as head coach. In 2020 there were 83 kids on the team and 2021 team had to be capped at 100. At the 2020 State Race Cheryl was selected has Head Coach of the Year for 2020. Cheryl has a passion and a love to serve in many capacities for her community and her family and plans to do so as long as she can. Cheryl acknowledges that her accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without her family and the many individuals that support her. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is please to present the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award to Cheryl Meier for her many contributions to our Community.

Kevin Remington moved to Vernal with his family when he was three years old and has called Vernal home ever since. Kevin, his wife, Kristen, and their four children have lived in Vernal since returning in 2004. Community involvement has always been important to Kevin. While he was earning his bachelors at USU Kevin served on the student council as the Activities Director, in Public Relations, and as the Student Body President of the Uintah Basin extension. He also served on the USU-Uintah Basin Advisory Council. Community education is also important to Kevin. He has participated in the community councils at Discovery Elementary and Vernal Middle School. Because of his commitment to education, he was asked to join the “Grow your Own” USU Scholarship board. This board is responsible for raising money and awareness on behalf of local individuals seeking to complete their teaching degree. While at Uintah High school, Kevin found his love for choir and theater. This loved has continued over the years. He has been involved in our local Uintah Basin Orchestra and Chorus, Outlaw Trail Theater, and Vernal Theatre Live. Recently, Kevin became a Board Member of the Uintah Basin Orchestra and Chorus. Having opportunities within our local community to experience a diversity of entertainment is important to Kevin. Kevin strongly believes in helping the next generation to have meaningful and rich experiences. He has consistently volunteered with AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) for more than ten years. AYSO’s mission is to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives. Kevin has held several volunteer positions within the local AYSO region board including team coach (often several teams each year), referee, Web Admin, Coach Admin, Coach Trainer, and Assistant Regional Commissioner. For several years, Kevin and his wife have piloted and grown a successful motor skill development program for 3-year olds in Vernal called AYSO Playground. They are now representatives for the AYSO Western areas including Montana, Idaho and throughout Utah. They work as a team to promote and help other communities start their own AYSO Playground programs. Four years ago, Kevin joined Cedar Bear Naturales and has been working to help the company grow and become more of an increased presence in our community. During the last four years Cedar Bear Naturales has been a proud sponsor of Uintah High School Soccer team, Uintah Basin Orchestra and Chorus, and Vernal Theater Live. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to Kevin Remington the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service award for his continued commitment and interest in our community.

The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce presented Mike Karren with the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award at Chamber Luncheon. Mike was recognized for his many years of service to the community including serving as President of the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo for the past 7 years

The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce presented Mike Wilkins with the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award on Tuesday. Mike was recognized for his many years of service to the community through civic and religious organizations. A life long resident of Uintah County, Mike graduated from Uintah High School. He attended the Provo Campus of Stevens-Henager College graduating in 1987 with a degree in Accounting and Business Management and started his career as an accountant for Brady, Saunders & Cook CPA firm. June of 1987 he went to work for Uintah County Auditor Amy Pope. In 1990 Uintah County combined the positions of Uintah County Clerk and County Auditor, with Pat McNeill being selected as Uintah County Clerk/Auditor. This coincides with him taking the position of Chief Deputy Clerk/Auditor, a position he has held for 12 years. Mike is currently serving his fifth term as Uintah County Clerk/Auditor. He was elected to the position in 2002, after the retirement of Pat McNeill. In December 2011, he was elected by the 3rd Class Counties to fill an unexpired term on the Utah Counties Indemnity Pool Board and is currently serving a third term. Mike has also served on the Centrally Assessed Litigation Committee, Tax and Revenue Committee, and multiple other committees for the Utah Association of Counties. Mike served on the Board of Directors for the Utah Association of Counties from 2007 to 2011. He also served as Vice President from 2006-2007 and President from 2007-2008. He was selected as County Auditor of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and Clerk of the Year in 2008. ​ He is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he has served as a Bishop and multiple other positions. Mike married Brenda Cook in 1983, they have four children, two daughters, two sons, and seven grandchildren.

Harold Kim Jones DPM, ChFC was born in Vernal, UT a few years ago and is the son of Harold Deloy “Red” and Petra Jones who built Arbys in Vernal. He graduated Wasatch High in 1982, and then served a Spanish Speaking mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in San Antonio, TX. He completed his BS degree in Microbiology at BYU. He met and married his wife, Colleen Townson-Jones while attending BYU where they graduated together. They moved to San Francisco, CA where he attended medical school and became a podiatric physician. He completed his surgical residency in Albuquerque, NM and eventually became board certified in surgery. Colleen and Kim returned to Vernal to practice podiatric medicine and surgery in 1992 opening up his office across from the hospital. He has served on several hospital committees including advertising, CME, surgical, executive, and others. He opened several satellite practices in Roosevelt, Duchesne, Altamont, and at Indian Health Services. He was instrumental in getting bylaws written and changed for future health care workers and has published two articles in medical journals. He has volunteered for the CERT training and the Physicians network. He served as board member, treasurer/secretary, Vice-president, president, and past president for the Utah Podiatric Medical Association for 12 years. He was nominated Podiatrist of the year in 2000. He was a member of the American Podiatric medical association for 25 years, as well as the American Public Health Association, American Diabetes Association, and honorary chairman as the national business advisory council. He has served in several teaching and leadership capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He participates in training and presenting an educational series for financial wellness and other medical related topics to many organizations here and throughout the state. Kim and his wife Colleen served 6 years as mentors, event planners, and sponsors in the 4-H horse program with several youth. They have served in the Texas Longhorn Association sponsoring shows in Utah and Idaho, and currently raise Longhorn Cattle. They have supported several local sports programs, high school productions, and were early supporters and organizers for the Dinosaur Triathlon with Marty Fallon. Kim made the petrified dinosaur poop(coprolite) trophies for the winning contestants. Kim earned his Eagle Scout award in his youth, and he and his wife trained at Wood Badge as adult leaders. They have helped several youth, including their sons, earn Eagle and other recognitions and awards. Dr. Jones has been teaching anatomy, physiology, and microbiology to nursing students at USU for the past 13 years. He has served as a State Central Committee member for 4 years with the Republican Party. He is a long time active member of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce and is a Dinah-Mites. In 2010, Dr. Jones sold his practice to Jeremy Strange, and retired after 20 years in practicing podiatric medicine. At age 47 he started a new career as a Financial advisor and has developed a strong practice helping families and business’ save money on taxes, provide better options for retirement, and protect their assets. He spends a lot of time teaching the community on how to prepare and improve their financial wellness. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present to Harold Kim Jones the Quarterly Outstanding Public Service award for his many accomplishments and continuing contributions to our community.

​Quinn Bennion serves as the Vernal City Manager since July 2017. He returned to his hometown community where he was born and raised. He holds fond memories growing up in Vernal – specifically Dry Fork Canyon. Quinn graduated from Uintah High School, then attended Utah State University in civil engineering and then graduate school at University of Kansas. Educational and career opportunities led him and his family to the Kansas City metro area, where he worked as City Manager for two cities for 20 years. Quinn is married to Heidi and they have four children. He enjoys playing tennis with his daughter, serving others and escape rooms. One of his motives in returning to Vernal was to give back to his community that formed his character and inspired potential. He works alongside others to build, promote and better his hometown and the Uintah Basin. He advocates for rural Utah at every opportunity. Quinn and his wife, Heidi, are involved in Hotel Vernal Haunt committee, Freedom Fest committee and Uintah Schools Education Foundation. Quinn serves on the Board of the Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley, USU Uintah Basin Entrepreneur Center Founder, Uintech Committee, Holly Days Committee, Riverfest Committee, DinoSaur Days Committee, Downtown Vernal Revitalization Committee, Dino Trail Committee, County Economic Development Board and is a Dinah-Mite ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce. Quinn accepts this recognition with the acknowledged that teamwork is the key to community success. Rarely are achievements reached or goals accomplished with one person working in isolation. It involves a team effort. Quinn is part of a team of community members – those in the room today plus many others - that encourage success in our community. He thanks all those who donate and give to our community in so many ways. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce present this Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award to Quinn Bennion for his many contributions and commitment to our community.