Business of the Month

Priority First Real Estate Business of the Month February 2025 Priority First Real Estate Professionals was started in 2017 by Emily and Clint Pedersen. As a small-town brokerage, they are built on the foundation of relationships, trust, and a deep commitment to our community Vision & Mission Their vision is simple: to be the trusted real estate partner of choice, helping individuals and families find the right place to call home. Whether it’s purchasing a first home, finding the perfect rental, or investing in real estate, they believe that the dream of homeownership—and having a safe place to belong and call home—should be available to everyone in our communities. Their mission is to put clients first in every transaction, delivering expert guidance, honest service, and a seamless experience. Real estate is more than just buying and selling; it’s about helping people achieve their goals and build a future. Commitment to Community They know that strong communities create strong markets, which is why they are deeply committed to giving back. Whether it’s through local fundraisers, supporting small businesses, or volunteering for causes that matter, Priority First Real Estate Professionals is dedicated to making a real impact where they live and work. Emily says, “We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and for the support of our amazing clients, business partners, and fellow community members. Thank you for trusting us to serve this great community—we look forward to many more years of helping dreams become reality, one home at a time!” The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Priority First Real Estate Professionals as the February 2025 business of the month.

White Smiles Pediatric Dentistry - January 2025 Business of the Month White Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has been serving the families of the Uintah Basin for 15 years. Why should you choose a pediatric dentist? They spend an additional two years in specialty training beyond dental school focusing solely on the oral healthcare needs of children and those with special needs. Dr. Travis White and Dr. Kolby Lance are Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and have passed a series of rigorous exams to become board-certified pediatric dental specialists. Dr. White was born and raised in Roosevelt. He founded White Smiles in 2009 after seeing the need for a children’s dental specialist in the Basin. He and his wife Alicia have three children, Kiara, Kenton, and Mckenzie, and they absolutely love living in Vernal among family and friends. One of the most rewarding things about practicing in the Basin has been the ability to reestablish relationships within the community. Travis completed his dental training at the University of Kentucky and then continued his training in the specialty of pediatric dentistry at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He enjoys spending time outdoors, mountain biking and attending sporting events with his kids (Mckenzie currently is a multi-sport collegiate athlete). Dr. Kolby Lance joined Dr. White almost six years ago, and they are 50-50 partners in the practice. He was born and raised in Vernal. Kolby and his wife Tara, a dental hygienist, along with their four children, Noah, Sloan, Rowan, and Lottie were excited to have the opportunity to move back to the Basin to join the kid-focused team at White Smiles. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Dr. Lance completed his dental training at the Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health. He then continued his training in the specialty of pediatric dentistry at NYU Langone Hospitals. When they aren't doing dentistry, you can find the Lances cheering for their son Noah at Uintah High, camping and four wheeling on the mountain, or watching Utah Jazz games. Dr. White and Dr. Lance believe that great smiles start early. At White Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, their goal is to make your child’s dental experience as positive as possible and alleviate dental fears. The friendly caring staff and kid-friendly environment make dentistry fun and exciting. Everything about their beautiful new facility was designed to make children love the dentist! White Smiles offers many treatment options including sedation for children with many cavities or who are extremely anxious. They even have dental lasers and can fix some cavities without those dreaded shots! Dr. White and Dr. Lance accept many insurances and even have an in-house savings program for those without insurance. They are proud to serve disadvantaged children by accepting Medicaid. Often, extremely young children come to the office with severe early childhood cavities. We’re talking children two to five years old with 5, 10, and even 20 cavities often accompanied by severe pain and facial swelling. Dr. White and Dr. Lance have long-standing privileges at Ashley Regional Medical Center and Uintah Basin Medical Center where they complete hundreds of oral rehabilitation cases each year for children in the Basin. Both doctors are grateful to be raising their families and providing kid-focused dental care in the community they grew up in and love. The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize White Smiles Pediatric Dentistry as the January 2025 business of the month. We would also like to present both Whites Smiles and Revive Skin Care & Laser with a beautification award for their renovation of their new location. They took a worn out building and, with a lot of hard work, turned it into a beautiful facility both inside and out. As shown in the pictures, it looks truly amazing! Thank you for improving and beautifying our community!

G&H Garbage Service – A Legacy of Hard Work and Community Commitment December 2024 Business of the Month This December, G&H Garbage Service, a family-run business with deep roots in Vernal and the Uintah Basin, is honored to be recognized as the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Month . From humble beginnings to a thriving operation, G&H embodies the values of hard work, innovation, and a commitment to the community. A Humble Start, Rooted in Ingenuity G&H Garbage Service began in the 1960s as a modest side hustle for Jack Chivers, who was then working full-time at the Gilsonite mine in Bonanza. He acquired the tiny Neola-based business from his brother-in-law Garth and his partner Howard after they chose to focus on other endeavors. Jack never bothered changing the name from G&H, and often quipped that there was never a need, because the name was usually alphabetically first to be found in the yellow pages over local competitors. Why mess with a good thing? On weekends, Jack and his family, along with a few friends, would make their rounds, emptying backyard burn barrels into the back of a one-ton pickup. Serving about 100 households in Vernal, this hands-on service became a staple for local residents. Innovation was always at the heart of Jack’s efforts. Five years into the business, he and a coworker at the mine designed and built G&H’s first rear-load garbage truck. This ingenuity laid the foundation for the company’s expansion. By 1978, after winning the Vernal City contract bid, Jack invested in G&H’s first commercial garbage truck—a pivotal moment that propelled the business to new heights. Growth and Generational Success Since its incorporation in 1968, G&H Garbage Service has grown into a cornerstone of waste management in the Uintah Basin. Today, Jack and his wife Ileen’s legacy lives on through their family, including son Dave and grandsons Matt and Mark, who manage the company’s day-to-day operations. What began with a single truck now includes a fleet of 11 route trucks, five roll-off trucks, two vac trucks, and two hydraulic flatbeds. Handling nearly a million pounds of garbage each month, G&H’s operation today hauls in a single day what it once collected in an entire year. The company has also expanded its services to include porta-potty rentals, self-storage, and industrial and oilfield waste management, ensuring its role as an essential service provider in the community. A Passion for Ranching G&H Garbage Service’s success cannot be separated from the family’s other passion, and perhaps the driving force behind it all—ranching. Alongside his dedication to G&H, Jack fostered a love of cattle ranching that endures within the family. What started with a few broken-mouthed sale barn cows in the backyard of their Maeser home has blossomed into Chivers Ranch, a thriving operation with 1,200 mother cows, 60 bulls, and 5,000 acres of deeded land stretching across Diamond Mountain, Vernal, and Jensen. Community First The Chivers family’s contributions to the Uintah Basin extend far beyond business. Their dedication to hard work, honesty, and family values has made them longstanding supporters of community initiatives. Whether serving in the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, donating services to local events, or volunteering in church and government roles, the Chivers family has consistently given back to the wonderful community that supports them. A Legacy Worth Celebrating Jack Chivers’ vision and Ileen’s steadfast support created more than a successful business—they established a legacy of resilience, ingenuity, and service. Their ability to see “the treasure in another man’s trash” has provided a strong future for their posterity and contributed to the strength of our local economy. The Chivers family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Vernal City and all of their supporters over the past 50 years. The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce Public Relations Committee is pleased to announce G&H Garbage is the December 2024 Business of the Month. Thank you for all you do for our community!

Wright Orthodontics is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary of creating beautiful smiles and serving the Uintah Basin Community. Over the past quarter-century, Wright Orthodontics has become a cornerstone of the community, known not only for its cutting-edge diagnostics and clinical techniques, but also for its amazing and fun staff who make every patient’s experience enjoyable. “We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful patients who have trusted us with their smiles over the years,” said Dr. Wright, founder of Wright Orthodontics. “Watching our patients gain confidence as their smiles change has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our Work.” Wright Orthodontics has always prioritized staying at the forefront of orthodontic care by utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques. This commitment to excellence ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care tailored to their individual needs and to ensure they get the smile of their dreams. The doctors have thirty-two other women telling them what to do, and they say that with a big smile on their face! The Team and the Patients love when the doctors tell them “Dad Jokes.” Dr. Todd and Dr. Bill value education and are actively engaged in continuing education each year. They take the team with them to learning seminars in Salt Lake City, Arizonia, and Florida. They do team retreats such as snowmobiling at Daniels Summit Lodge, and going to Lagoon, Cabo and Cancun Mexico. Always reaching beyond themselves Wright Orthodontics is always involved in activities in the Community. They are popular with High School and Middle School students who often come to career shadow or do internships with the doctors. They are caught building floats for parades, handing our snow cones at school tailgates, end of Summer Passport parties, biding on Trees for Charity and sponsoring many students, teams, and educators. Along with their Dental colleagues the Wright brothers have sponsored their own Charity Bowling, Golf, or Cornhole tournaments that raise thousands of dollars going to Utah Special Olympics, Uintah and Roosevelt Food Pantries, Rapha House for child trafficking, and so much more. As we celebrate this milestone, we will reflect on the deep gratitude we feel for being welcomed into the Uintah Basin community. The support and acceptance we have received from our patients and their families have been instrumental in allowing us to practice and grow in the wonderful area. Thank you for 25 amazing years! We look forward to many more years of creating beautiful smiles together.

George T. Weldon Construction November 2024 Business of the Month The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates George T. Weldon Construction, for earning the November 2024 Business of the Month Award. Founded in 1975 by two strong community stewards and leaders, George and Judy Weldon, George T. Weldon Construction took life. Over the last almost 5-decades Weldon Construction has overcome tremendous industry challenges, economic swings, and local economy fluctuations to soon reach an amazing milestone—50 years of service this coming January 2025. It is a milestone worth celebrating, as fewer than 4% of businesses nationally make it to 50 years, and survival rates are even lower for industries like construction, especially in rural areas. It is the focus on giving back to their community and investing in future generations while also taking care of the older generations that have allowed George T. Weldon Construction to defy those industry odds through its unwavering commitment to integrity, community support, and economic sustainability, creating a lasting impact here in Vernal and the Uintah Basin. What truly distinguishes George T. Weldon Construction is their focus not only on customer relationships but also on the well-being of their employees, whom they view as internal customers. They do not just see customers and employees; they see mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, neighbors, friends, and families who together create the community they care so deeply about. Their dedication to Vernal is reflected in their support for an array of local events and organizations, from the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo to youth development programs that invest in providing skills and work ethics to future generations. Their community involvement extends to mentoring young people interested in trades in partnership with UBTech, ensuring that the next wave of skilled labor has the needed guidance and support to build bright futures right here in Vernal. Their commitment to our veterans is equally strong, shown through their ongoing support of the American Legion Post 11—a gesture that recognizes the sacrifices made by those who served, and that no member of the United States Military is forgotten. Local and Sustainable economic impact is another cornerstone of George T. Weldon Construction’s mission. They prioritize local hiring, support nearby businesses for supply chain needs, and have even become direct distributors of custom Metal Buildings, professional grade insulation, and residential and commercial garage doors to help reduce costs while keeping the resources within our community. This is in addition to their broad spectrum of qualifications that range from extensive pipeline experience, Metal Building Construction, Underground Utility, Site or Groundwork to their most recent capability expansion of being able to provide Skilled Concrete Services for any size concrete job. They make it a point to choose local whenever possible, thereby strengthening the local economy. Under the leadership of CEO Mike T. Weldon, George T. Weldon Construction combines decades of expert and master craftsmanship experience with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. This ensures the business not only remains relevant, but also evolves to meet the growing community needs. Their legacy over 50 years is not just as a General Contractor and Construction Company, but is a legacy of taking care of the community they live in, and the people they share that community with. Congratulations again to George T. Weldon Construction and their team of dedicated employees for nearly five decades of outstanding service, community impact, and unwavering commitment to “building a stronger Uintah Basin—one project at a time!”

Business of the Month Basin Appliance April 2024  Keith Foley purchased the Sears Catalog Store in 1983 and was located at 1218 West Hwy 40 here in Vernal for 8 years. In 1991 Keith built the current building and ran Sears until March 1993 when Sears closed all the catalog stores. Keith then decided to open a new appliance store to serve Vernal and the surrounding areas called Basin Appliance. This business was a family run business as the 4 Foley children grew up working in the business. At that time, they were selling great appliance brands like Maytag, Admiral & Jenn Air. The business evolved in 1994 into Basin Appliance & Floorcoverings. As the business branched out, so did the building to be able to offer more space for retail and warehouse space. In 2015 Keith & Al Jean Foley sold the business to their sons Carl & Corey, both of whom have spent most of their lives in the industry. With new owners, the store again changed and has branched out into many various home furnishing items and services such as: additional appliance brands, appliance service, and repair, all types of flooring and carpet, window coverings, cabinets built locally by Udell’s Custom Cabinets, countertops, seamless rain gutter, and carpet cleaning called Extreme Carpet Cleaning. Basin Appliance’s continued involvement in our community is evident in its continued support of many community events and organizations such as Thompson House of Hope for Men, The Vernal Hotel Haunt, the Annual Car Show, and many sports and school activities. Cory also serves on the Vernal City Council. As things have changed over the years one thing that remains the same is their commitment to customer satisfaction and quality products. Years ago, there was a jingle that accompanied our radio ads, ……” bringin' it all together…. That is what we do best!!” This year we are embarking on our 31st Anniversary and invite you to come join us for a free BBQ on April 26th here at our showroom. Big thanks to all of our loyal customers, employees, and vendors for helping us be successful all these years. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present Business of the Month to Basin Appliance.

Business of the Month Brian K. Gorum-State Farm Insurance February 2024 Brian and Amy Gorum moved to Vernal in April 2000 without knowing anyone in the state - they were just looking for an opportunity. While Amy taught school, Brian began his agency career. Brian wholeheartedly believes in State Farm's motto – “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there”. Brian also believes in giving back to the community that supports you. As a small business owner, Brian started with the Chamber of Commerce - He was President of the Chamber from 2006/2007 and was awarded the Citizen of the Year in 2005. He continues to be on the Legislative Committee and a member of the Dinah-Mites. Brian is a Mason & Shriner - he was named Utah Shriner of the Year in 2015. Brian recently retired from the Uintah Fire District where he was chairman of the Fire District board for 14 of his 15 years on the board. Brian is an active member of the Vernal Rotary Club and has held several state offices. He has gone on seven humanitarian missions to Central and South America. In 2022, State Farm's 100th anniversary, Brian was recognized as one of the top one hundred agents (out of 20,000 agents) for his leadership and community service. Brian met President Ronald Reagan in 1979 and has been a staunch Republican to this day. He has been a state or county delegate for the last 24 years and served two terms as Uintah County Republican party chair. He ran unsuccessfully as District 26 State Senate in 2018. Even without a win, it was one the best experiences of his life! With all the committees, clubs, and meetings - the most fun Brian has is reading with school kids and being a coach with the Special Olympics. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present Business of the Month to Brian K. Gorum-State Farm Insurance for the many years of supporting and contributing to our community. “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.”

Business of the Month Pure Bliss Day Spa January 2024 Pure Bliss Day Spa offers massage therapy services with multiple massage therapists under one roof. Stephanie first started her career with a private practice out of her home when she was 19 years old. She had a dream of just one space with multiple massage therapists working together, while still having the freedom to offer different specialties and making their own schedules. Stephanie’s dream became a reality shortly after her marriage to Garth. They officially started Pure Bliss Day Spa on November 1, 2015. Eight years later, they have grown and grown and are still going strong. They currently have seven active massage therapists, with 5 treatment rooms, including a large couple’s room to offer couples massages. Massages are by appointment only, Monday through Saturday. The staff at Pure Bliss also enjoy participating in various community events where they offer chair massages to the public. Every Christmas Pure Bliss picks some families to sponsor as well as donating numerous gift certificates to raffles and sports organizations throughout the year. Pure Bliss appreciates this recognition and is very honored and proud to be a successful business in the Uintah Basin. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Pure Bliss Day Spa.

Business of the Month Vernal Marriott Hotels December 2023 Both Vernal Marriott properties are owned and operated by Stealth Management out of Orlando Florida. Anshu Jain, our owner, is so happy to be a part of this beautiful community and hopes to continue to grow in the Basin as a corporation! At the SpringHill and TownePlace Suites , we welcome you to our place, where every guest and team member feels at home. SpringHill and TownePlace Suites are both refreshingly different kind of upper-moderate all-suite hotel with stylish and inspiring design that enriches our guest's travel. With spacious suites designed to blend how guests work and relax, with warm, thoughtful service and a positive atmosphere. Our guests always feel uplifted and at ease. Our hotels offer an experience that is beyond the ordinary. Our hotels offer relocating families, business guests, and other visitors free hot breakfasts, an indoor pool and a hot tub, and a fully equipped fitness center. Host a meeting, wedding, or event at either property in our indoor event space. At TownePlace, this hotel is equipped with a full kitchen, and all the amenities needed to cook for oneself or your guests. Choose between our one and/or two-bedroom suites. SpringHill provides luxurious, spacious suites with nice, comfortable workspace. A little extra - a lot less ordinary, with stylish surroundings and enhanced offerings. So, no matter your reason for visiting, enjoy your stay with the SpringHill or TownePlace Suites Vernal. Our Vernal Marriott properties offer easy access to the entire Uintah Basin, Dinosaur National Monument, outdoor leisure spaces, and local oil and gas industries. Business and leisure travelers alike love the convenient location of our business or extended stay lodgings here in Vernal. We love being part of this community by sponsoring many events such as the Dinah Soar Balloon Festival, Holly Days, Trees for Charity, the Rock Rally, ATV Jamboree, Freedom Fest, the Dinosaur Round-Up Rodeo, and Uintah Theatre! Thank you to the Chamber and the Public Relations Committee for this wonderful gesture! We appreciate this honor very much! The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to the Vernal Marriott Hotels for their continued support of our community.

Business of the Month November 2023 Dinosaur Inn and Suites Dinosaur Inn & Suites is a locally owned family run business in Vernal. Originally, in 1929, the owners of the property had cabins built so that travelers coming through the area could have a place to stay. Eventually, those cabins were torn down by the owners and the current buildings that sit on the property now were added through the years. After being run by the same family for three generations, the historic property unfortunately closed in 2016. The appeal of bringing this piece of history back to life and sharing all the amazing things there are to do in the area with travelers from all over the world encouraged Cody, who had worked in the oilfield for 17 years and wanted to be able to be home with his family more, to make a career change. Cody and Shalene Bullock, long time Vernal residents, decided to quit their jobs, buy, and reopen the property in October 2017. Shalene’s grandfather had been the head maintenance man for many years

Business of the Month October 2023: Outback Rentals Business of the Month October 2023 Outback Rentals After owning TC Landscaping since 1984, The Crow family opened Outback Rentals in April 2004. What started out with only a few items of equipment, has grown into a multi-service business. Outback rents commercial-sized equipment down to small yard work equipment including trailers, dump trailers, trailer-mounted pressure washers, light towers, generators, loaders, excavators, skid steers, heaters, and more. They offer full-service maintenance and repairs and a parts department serving everyone in the basin from residential to oilfield. If you are looking to buy equipment, they can help with that too. Outback Rentals operates a trucking division transporting equipment, oilfield tools, heavy haul and frac sand. Hotshot services are available within the Uintah Basin and the surrounding area. Supporting the community is important to Outback Rentals and they are excited to sponsor youth sports, 4-H, the Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo, Frost Legacy Rodeo, Vernal Hotel Haunt and much more. They are proud to be locally owned and operated and they believe strongly in supporting other local businesses. Outback Rentals is looking forward to many more years of service here in the Basin and surrounding area. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Outback Rentals for their longevity and many contributions to our community.

Jones & DeMille Engineering (JDE) is a full-service, award-winning firm shaping the quality of life since 1982. With 11 office locations throughout Utah and Wyoming, JDE provides a wide variety of professional and specialized services. These in-house services include civil engineering, architecture, planning, GIS, survey, design, environmental, bidding administration, construction management, materials testing, and construction management. Our full range of services and experienced infrastructure experts demonstrate our goals of creating long-lasting partnerships and relationships and employing a high standard of excellence on each project. We want to work together with our clients to shape the quality of life long into the future. Two of our largest and recent community projects include the US-191 Realignment working in partnership with SIMPLOT and others and we have been involved with the new medical facilities for the Uintah Basin Medical Center. Additionally, Jones & DeMille Engineering offers a full suite of services through our wholly-owned subsidiaries: · Rural Community Consultants specializes in strategic, financial, and land use planning as well as providing innovative solutions for difficult issues unique to the rural West. · Campbell Architecture offers a proven track record of quality and excellence in architectural design with an approach that balances aesthetics and creativity with cost and functionality. · CiviclinQ delivers a connection with community leaders and strategic development through code hosting, ordinance expertise, insights, and tools to help communities work better. Serving in our communities is a vital aspect of our culture, represents the values of JDE, and is a cornerstone of a thriving society. Serving is so critical to our firm that annual paid service hours are provided to all our team members to reach out to others, foster volunteerism, and contribute to a more tight-knit community. Our local Vernal team has served as soccer and mountain bike coaches, held positions on committees within the community, and provided countless hours of service through church and individual opportunities. JDE has been a sponsor and supporter of the following community events held throughout the year: Hotel Vernal Haunt, Holly Days, Passport to Summer, V6 Hype Videos, 4th of July Parade, UBIC (Uintah Basin in Celebration), Velociraptors Mountain Bike Team, Rodeos, 4-H & Junior Livestock Show, Sports Teams. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Jones and DeMille Engineering for their contribution to and continued support of our community.

Business of the Month August 2023 Basin Rental Larry Peterson purchased Basin Rentals in 1984 from Norman Kitchen. It was located on Hwy 40 where Fossil RV is now. His son Craig Peterson started working with his dad Larry when he was 18 years old. They moved to a new location where Basin Appliance is located and was there until the late 80s when they moved to the location they are now on North Vernal Ave. In 2000 Craig and Cary purchased the business from their dad giving him the opportunity to retire. Since purchasing the business Cary's son has also joined the team making 3 generations of Peterson's. They have also added 3 more employees. Basin Rentals is proud to support the community and participate in many improvement projects such as donating equipment to paint the helicopter on Main Street, supplying equipment to the High School for football games, sponsoring many kids in sports, and Sub for Santa projects. Basin Rentals has a large selection of Skid Steers, Excavators, Man Lifts, Forklifts, and most equipment for home projects. They service homeowners, contractors, and oil fields always striving to give the best customer service and support. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Basin Rentals for their long Gevity and continued support of our community.

In March of 1973 Gene and Lynell Anfinson moved to Vernal to assist Lynell's parents, Virgil and Genita Hatch, in constructing Esquire Estates mobile home park. The following Spring of 1974, a visit to Jet Manufacturing in Salt Lake City inspired the founding of Esquire RV. It all started with five Jet travel trailers lined up on the Esquire Estates frontage road adjacent to West Highway 40 (across from the Vernal Cinemas). The shop was a 30-by-30-foot block building located at the south end of the mobile home park. Within a couple of years, they expanded their inventory and moved an old one-room cabin to the front lot to be used as the sales office. In the early 1990s, the building received an attractive rock face-lift on the exterior, and a remodeled store and office. One night in 1998 there was a propane explosion and fire that destroyed the entire building, but miraculously, the files were saved so business could continue. After the fire they used a travel trailer as an office. Neighbors from other businesses in town helped with the fire cleanup by providing food and the tools needed. The overwhelming outpouring of love and support will never be forgotten. In February of 1999 Esquire held its first-annual RV Show and Sale. The original thought behind the show and sale was to sell all the parts from the store that were still useable but had burn marks or smoke damage. They also decided to promote the trailers and add them to the arena. This show ended up being a huge hit, as they sold several trailers and most of the fire-damaged products. Because of that show in 1999, you will find Esquire RV at Vernal's Western Park Indoor Arena the last weekend of February each year. A new 6,000-square-foot building, "Camp-A-Lot," and a separate 4,000-square-foot shop were completed in 1999. In 2001, Gene and Lynell Anfinson sold their share of the partnership to Danny and Peggy Moore. Shortly after the partnership sale, Kiley Moore (Danny and Peggy’s son) started working for them in 2002. In 2012 Brandt Emery joined the ranks and on January 1, 2021, they purchased the business from Danny and Peggy. Today, they have 24 employees and boast one of the largest parts inventories anywhere, with over 90 units in inventory. “For us the important thing has always been focusing on the people,” said Brandt. “We don’t let the bottom line or dollar amounts distract us from making sure that our customers and our employees come first. Always.” He also shared that the best part of being part of a long-time local business is seeing the progress and growth of his employees and helping them be set up for success in their lives at whatever they choose to do. A close second: seeing the joy on someone's face as they pick up their new trailer and hit the road for the first time. Esquire RV has been so blessed with amazing support from the community, so, they do what they can to give back and support many local events and charities. They support Uintah Basin Orchestra and Chorus where Brandt serves as the chairman. They support the Velociraptor biking team, Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation, Utah Mule Deer Foundation, National Rifle Assoc., local charity golf tournaments like Strata and USU, high school sports and music programs, local events such as Basin Revival, several charities of local churches including Latter Day Saint and other Christian denominations. It seems whenever there is an event or good cause, Esquire RV is contributing in some way. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Esquire RV in recognition of their longevity and many contributions to our community.

Sorensen Design & Construction, founded by Wes Sorensen in 2011, is a general contracting company that specializes in design and construction. With many years of experience in the construction industry, Wes Sorensen was inspired to create a business that would bring a new edge to the industry and make each project a memorable experience. The goal for Wes and his team is to bring their client's vision to reality from inception to completion. Growing annually year after year, the team has successfully designed and contracted over 200 projects while serving Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, and North Dakota. By using a knowledgeable and experienced network of local subcontractors and suppliers as well as key in-house employees, they are able to continuously serve the needs of construction. Wes says “We are honored to be a part of the local businesses in Vernal, UT. Thank you for your support. “Building America One Building at a Time” Sorensen Design and Construction are ardent supporters of the community including the Oilers Hockey Team and most school events such as Drill Team, Cheerleaders, wrestling, etc. They are a sponsor of many events such as Holly Days, the Diamond Mountain Racetrack, Vernal Hotel Haunt, and 4 th of July fireworks to name just a few. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Sorensen Design & Construction Business of the Month and express appreciation for their commitment to our community.

Evans Family Media is a locally owned and operated media company comprising of 3 heritage local radio stations: Eagle Country 105.5 KLCY, Newstalk KVEL, and 98.5 The Fox and additionally, BasinNow.com, your hometown online newspaper. “Providing the public with content relevant to our community is a key factor of our success”, shares company president, Steve Evans. “We strive to be active in as many aspects of the community as feasibly possible”. Evans Family Media hosts and presents a variety of community events including numerous concerts and trade shows like the annual Home and Garden Show and Women’s Day Out. The company uses the collective influence of all four media platforms to promote civic events, contests and interactive promotions. Evans Family Media began in 1984 with the purchase of KNEU radio station in Roosevelt by Joe and Teddie Evans. Today the company is owned by Steve and Lisa Evans who employ 10 fulltime and 2 parttime employees. “Our employees are the most important asset of our company”, stated Evans. “The culture in our office is creative, energetic and fun which is represented in our product. Our product is our people and our office motto is to “under promise and over deliver”.” Their staff members are, Matt Wilber, operations manager, Sheri Remington, Director of Sales and customer services, Amy Richards on-air personality, Barry Johnson, production director, sports director and customer services, Kristin Forbis, news director, Janet Crinklaw, business manager, Barbara Collins, traffic director, Autumn Hancock, sales, promotion and customer services, Chaunte Riker, on-air personality, Colton Pead, intern and owners, Steve and Lisa Evans. Evans Family Media love the Uintah Basin and believe that as they continue to put the needs of our community and customers first, they will continue to enjoy success in business well into the future. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Evans Family Media for their extensive involvement and continued commitment to our Community.

Wendy’s was built in 1993 by a group of Vernal businessman, one of whom had a relative in the business who said Vernal would be a great fit for a Wendy’s. Wendy’s in Vernal opened on July 10, 1993 during the Dinosaur Round-up Rodeo. The community had highly anticipated the opening and the sidewalks were lined with customers waiting to enter. We will be celebrating our 30th birthday, July 2023 and can honestly say we have enjoyed every minute. The best part of the business is the community in which we serve and the opportunity we have to help people grow and succeed. We are involved in the community via Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley where we enjoy partaking in Dino-Soar days, Hotel Haunt, Freedom Fest, and many other community involved activities. The Dinosaur Round-up Rodeo is very close to our heart and we actively participate in this event in many capacities every year. We love being involved with many of our local schools including Davis & Maeser Elementary schools, Terra Academy, and Uintah High School. We support our Bus Drivers and many other small activities in the area. We feel as a business, our most important role in our community is to help make it better. We enjoy hiring individuals to learn skills and responsibilities and provide them footing for life’s opportunities. It’s always a pleasure to have children and grandchildren from previous employees. We take pride in hiring some of the most loved people by the way of special needs community. We are grateful to be recognized by the Chamber for our efforts and appreciate the local support we receive in so many ways. Thanks again for your support. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present Business of the Month to Wendy’s for their longevity and continued commitment and service to our community.

Rick and Jennifer Bell have lived in Vernal all of their 51 years of marriage. They raised their six children at the base of what is presently termed “U Hill'', but known to longtime residents of the Uintah Basin as Boot Hill. In 1986, the Bells began a commercial hog operation appropriately named Boot Hill Hog Farms. As their children moved away from home on their own ventures, the pigs were sold and the hog farm dissolved. ​ When Rick and Jennifer’s oldest son, Bryan, and his wife, Jessica, graduated from BYU and finished a two-semester internship in Florida at Deseret Land & Livestock, they were provided the opportunity to build a home on the farm. With more children joining the family and the demand for milk increasing, the Bells invested in a Jersey heifer named Daisy. There was a lot of interest from neighbors and friends in any extra milk. It wasn’t long after the surplus of milk that Boot Hill Hog Farms simply became Boot Hill Farms. The Bells became a Utah Certified raw milk dairy and grass-fed beef smallholding. Boot Hill Farms now offers grass-fed lamb, chicken, turkey (seasonally), pork, and eggs alongside the 100%-pastured, raw milk and beef. The gates are always open at Boot Hill Farms, where their mission is to “Bring Healthy Home”. Rick serves on the county Board of Adjustments and the Uintah Animal Control and Special Service District Board of directors. Jennifer works with the Uintah Basin Visual Arts. They support 4-H and the Uintah Basin Junior Livestock show. Bryan is on both the Uintah County Conservation District and the Utah Association of Conservation District boards. Bryan recently purchased Superior Meat Company which will now be called Bell-Mont Meats hopefully to open the end of August. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Boot Hill Farms.

Rafael Vargas and his wife Rachel started R & R Oil Field Services, Inc. in March 2014. Rafael has always had a love for working on engines, both big and small. He became well known for his skills working in the oilfield. In 2020, R & R Oilfield Service purchased the L-795 engine line from Arrow Engine, giving them the exclusive rights to all parts associated with this engine. The only OEM supplier and manufacturer in the world. R & R Oilfield Services currently has 10 employees that operate South Texas, North Dakota and Utah. Rafael & Rachel have always had a soft spot in their hearts for the youth of our community. They support many youth activities including 4-H, track, football, baseball and most youth programs. Any youth that comes in looking for a sponsorship they try to support. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to R & R Oilfield Services for their continues efforts to support and improve our Community.

Beans & Brews—or “Beans,” as friends call them — is a staple around Utah and when Melanie Jorgenson decided to open a franchise, she chose Vernal as the perfect city to do so. In 2014 she moved to Vernal, met her future husband and have since had all their adult children move to Vernal as well! Their favorite part of living here is how close knit the community is and how the whole town rallies when there is someone in need. They enjoy supporting the community and have donated close to 35,000 cups of hot chocolate and coffee to Holly Days, the Gobbler (5K for local charity), and the Naples Tree Lighting Ceremony! Beans & Brews has been proud to sponsor various school organizations, Uintah School Foundations, Grad night and countless other associations. The only thing that makes them smile even more than serving your favorite beverage, is helping a cause they believe in. They honor and respect our Law Enforcement Officers and are so grateful when they come in that they offer free coffee to any officer in uniform and happily provide a 10% discount to all Veterans. Melanie said Beans & Brews business philosophy “is that their guests are the reason for getting up in the morning. We love greeting regulars with their favorite drink and getting to know their customers. Our shop is lucky to have a large lobby space with free Wi-Fi and a comfy seating arrangement - because of this we have all sorts of groups meet here including church groups, the Army National Guard who like to conduct recruiting and interviews here, the German Club and student groups that come here to study and chill, we even have a couple that come play chess every Sunday not to mention it’s a great place for a first date!” The core of the business Melanie said is the Beans employees! They employ about 17 baristas who really believe they are “crafting your drink with love”, they take pleasure in interacting with their guests and creating a strong and sincere human connection– not only do they serve locals that come in every day but they get to meet tourists from around the world that are coming through our little town and enjoy hearing their travel experiences. Beans & Brews are so grateful for their guests, their employees and this community that they love to serve and support. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Beans & Brews for their many contributions and their continued commitment to our community.

Little B’s is a bar that now offers a full-service kitchen for patrons of legal age. This location, rich in history, has been a bar since 1929. Originally named the Brown Derby, it was shut down for gambling and then sold. It then reemerged as Kempton’s Pool Hall. In 1953 it was purchased by Bud Hacking who really put this place on the map with his country beer bar aptly named Bud’s Sportsman’s Lounge. Later, he added a Steakhouse. Rebecca named her business Little B’s in ode to her predecessors, and late father, Brent Boren who was nicknamed Mr. “B” or Big “B” by his employees. Rebecca started in the bar industry 23 years ago working for her father’s tenant, Bob Francke at The Gateway Saloon. Rebecca eventually branched out on her own and purchased the old Bud’s building 12 years ago making it the successful business it is today. Mr. Francke elected not to renew his lease at the Gateway Saloon 5 years ago. Rebecca, 4th generation landlady of the Gateway Saloon excitedly decided to own and operate both bars. This year Rebecca and her dedicated staff (which she considers family,) have worked hard to bring back the steak house and honor Bud Hacking’s legacy. It is now open in the same part of the building it was while under Bud’s ownership and I can vouch that the food is very tasty! Rebecca’s spouse, Zach McReynolds has been there every step of the way to support and help Rebecca realize her dreams and making them a reality. Their business philosophy is to give patrons a fun experience and then get them home safely. I can tell you it goes way beyond that. She considers all her long-time patron’s family as well and she goes over and above board to help out anyone in need. Between Little B’s and the Gateway, they are dedicated to supporting the community that they love. They contribute in many ways: Every year they serve free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. It’s a tradition Rebecca’s father started years ago. Rebecca helped Gary Showalter and a few others start the Vernal City Excitement Association. They throw at least 4-5 fundraisers a year for local folks in need and assist many other local fundraisers. They sponsor Charitable Friends Of Ashley Valley, the Polar Bear Run, the Vernal Oilers, a softball team, and sometimes two teams They sponsor the All Nighter, Rock The Ride For The Kids, and 2 charity golf tournaments annually. They donate to the Uintah County Animal Shelter and other local entities. They’ve brought in some very talented bands for patrons to enjoy over the years like Royal Bliss, The Iron Maidens, Redlands and Feel Never Real. Rebecca especially enjoys hosting amazing local talent. Many bands will play at this year’s 25th Annual Too Broke For Sturgis Run at the Gateway Saloon. They honor and respect all of our Veterans which are granted free admission when they have to charge for an event. Rebecca loves her sweetheart, family, our town, staff and patrons with everything she is. Her warm, loving and giving personality is infectious and that shows in her staff that go out of their way to help those in need and to spread cheer, especially during the holiday seasons. One employee has been with her 16 years, while other loyal staff has been with her as long as 12, 10, and 9 years. The public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Little B’s with the Business of the Month award for their continued commitment to and involvement in our community.

Vernal Brewing Company is a production brewery and gastropub. Vernal Brewing was founded in 2011 with a small homebrew supply store. In 2012, they broke ground and in April of 2013, Vernal Brewing Company was opened for business and currently employs 44 people. They brew 14 brands of craft beer with only the highest quality ingredients. They grow a large garden on the south side of the building which is incorporated in the dining and beer experience. The philosophy of Vernal Brewing Company is to give guests the very best experience they can have, which includes their internal guests (their staff). The goal is to get people to try something new and bring the freshest ingredients to the table and to manufacture high quality craft beers for everyone to enjoy in UT, WY and Montana. Vernal Brewing Co-hosts beer gardens at Vernal’s large festivals in the summer, such as Freedom Festival, JWP River Festival and the Dino “Soar” Days. They support several local charities including Children’s Justice Center and Charitable Friends of Ashley Valley. Vernal Brewing helps regularly with fundraising for local sports teams and events. In addition to other contributions, this year they will be serving the volunteers at the Hotel Haunt. Vernal Brewing Company has won several awards including being voted the People’s Choice in several brew festivals and won Taste of Utah best restaurant. They have been featured on Taste of Utah, Mysteries at the Museum, and our Local V-TV. They have several award-winning beers including the Mama’s Milk Imperial Milk Stout. ​ The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Vernal Brewing Company with the Business of the Month award for their continued commitment to and involvement in our community.

Downtown Auto Group was formed in 2017 as the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM franchised automotive dealership, serving Vernal and the surrounding areas. The company was found on the mission of inviting others to “Experience the Difference” by creating a business that focused on a unique customer experience in the Basin. They have over 20 employees who hold teamwork paramount. The company’s core values are found in the following 4 key areas, with a promise to: Always strive to exceed customer expectations and make their experience, one they will always remember. Be transparent and empower customers with the knowledge and options they need to know when making decisions on what they drive. Seek involvement in supporting local community and charitable events with a focus on giving back. Reward and promote growth to every team member who contributes to this success. Downtown Auto Group loves being a part of the Uintah Basin and giving back to the community in many ways including "Build our Basin" which selects community organizations throughout the year and focuses on each of their needs to help achieve their goals. We appreciate the community support and look forward to being a part of building our basin for many years to come. For their many and continuing contributions to our community, the Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present Downtown Auto Group Business of the Month.

Vernal Theatre: LIVE has produced 30 Season productions, 4 Youth summer productions, 4 benefit concerts, and has been the location for several events including Dry Bar Comedy tours, local dance recitals and pageants, and hosting a quarterly Open Mic Night as well as various classes and workshops for both youth & adults. Vernal Theatre: LIVE believes that the Arts help individuals build better lives as they learn the value of other people and their stories and extend that kindness to themselves, their families and their community. The owners of Vernal Theatre: LIVE and all who participate live in Vernal and the Uintah Basin. We love being able to offer opportunities to people of all ages and experiences at the theatre, whether they are onstage, backstage or in the audience. Vernal Theatre: LIVE is run 100% by volunteers – from producers & directors through the cast & crew. All participants at Vernal Theatre: LIVE are members of our community looking for talent development or a performance outlet and donate their time and skills to making each production. The sacrifices that they and their families make to bring about the success of each production is immense. There is simply no way to describe how incredible the people in this community are. The willingness of “regular people” to give of their time and talents show after show and year after year continues to bless not just Vernal Theatre: LIVE, but all those in the community with whom they come in contact. Our mission is to inspire and create high-quality, family-friendly Arts opportunities that are accessible to everyone. We want any member of the community to feel they could attend a production at Vernal Theatre: LIVE and have a good time – whether they are experienced in theatre or brand new – we want them to feel welcome with us. We love when people come back and tell us about the memories they have of their time at Vernal Theatre: LIVE – whether as part of the onstage/backstage crew or in the audience. The Arts scene is so strong in our corner of the state and we have loved being a small part of creating more opportunities for the performing Arts.  For their outstanding contribution to our community, the Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Business of the Month to Vernal Theatre LIVE.

Caerus Uinta LLC Business of the Month June, 2021 Caerus is a privately held natural gas company with operations primarily in the Uinta Basin in Utah and the Piceance Basin in Colorado. Our vision is to the Rocky Mountain region’s most efficient producer of sustainable, affordable natural gas providing clean energy for the world and jobs for rural America. Caerus was named for the Greek God of Opportunity. Our name signifies our ability to proactively recognize and seize opportunities in the upstream oil and gas sector. From our inception in 2009 to the present day, Caerus has pursued a path of strategic investments leading to our present position in Colorado and Utah with over 7000 producing wells on over 650,000 net acres of leasehold. We employ approximately 280 employees, 76 of which are in Utah. We are headquartered in Denver, Colorado with field offices in Vernal, Utah and Parachute, Colorado. At Caerus, we are committed to the vital role the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) plays in every aspect of the day-to-day operation of our assets. We are dedicated stewards of the environment and care deeply about the health and safety of our employees and contractors and those who live and work within the communities in which Caerus operates. Caerus has established best management practices and a proactive leak detection and repair program to proactively manage our environmental footprint and limit emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from our operations. Caerus prides itself in actively partnering with the communities in which our employees live and work. Caerus supports the Uintah & Duchesne Stock Shows, Farmers Feeding Utah, the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics and other local charities, as well as many causes that directly benefit the Ute Tribe of Uintah & Ouray. Caerus employees picked up trash on 10 miles of Highway 45 and helped prepare and distribute 150 Back to School Backpacks for School Kids. We are pleased to have with us today to accept the Business of the Month award Michael Rynearson from Denver Office. Mr. Rynearson serves as Caerus’ Vice President of Operations. Michael started at Caerus in 2014 and has led its operational team since that time. With over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Michael is responsible for promoting safety and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory compliance processes and procedures. Michael attained his MBA from Regis University, as well as obtaining a Masters in Engineering and a BS in Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. He is a licensed engineer in the states of Idaho and Colorado, and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. As an experienced board member, Michael has held positions with the West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association and a youth football organization. He has also authored multiple of industry papers. Michael lives in Westminster with his wife Christina. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to present Business of the Month to Caerus Uinta LLC for their long term commitment and continued support to our Community.

Beachin’ Co. was founded in 2016 by Colton and Brooker King. They love traveling to Hawaii and California and the feel of the ocean breeze. They wanted to bring that beach vibe to people who haven’t experienced it before and thus, Beachin’ was born. They quit their jobs, left their new home in Eagle Mountain, UT, sold everything they had, and moved to Vernal, with their new born son, with nothing but big dreams and lots of determination. Beachin’ started in a 12’ octagon building with zero running water. Colton would bring 25, 5 gallon jugs of water down every day that he had to clean and sanitize between each trip. After about 8 months, Jiffy Pawn approached Colton and Brooker and offered to build a building where they could keep up with demand and that had running water :) In 2017, they moved to Manti, UT for a short period of time to assist with the marketing needs of another company. During that time, they purchased the drink place there in town and converted it to Beachin’. Then in 2018, they purchased the soda place in Roosevelt and brought the Beachin’ vibe to there as well. In 2019, Colton and Brooker came back to Vernal to be closer to where things started. In April of 2019, they built out a bakery where they could keep up with the demand of their baked good. “One of our desires at Beachin’ was to provide quality product that are fresh and homemade.” Says Colton. They distribute their cookies and pretzels bites throughout all their locations daily, to ensure product freshness. “Our biggest priority is our guests that visit us each day and our 55 wonderful employees.” Each year Beachin’ gives a $500-$1000 scholarship to 3 different high schools, donates 15,000 - 20,000 free drinks throughout town/organizations as well as brings drinks/cookies to random schools/businesses throughout the week. “We believe everyone deserves a vacation. Our goal is to give every Beachin’ guest a quick get away from life by providing five-star service, along with the best drinks and treats around. We eat and breathe Beachin’ every day. We commit ourselves to growing and making it the bet it can be with our guest and our crew members”. The Public Relations Committee of the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is please to present Beachin’ Business of the Month.