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Quarterly Outstanding Public Service Award: Steve Jones

April 15, 2022

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.

By Kennedy Hansen March 18, 2025
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.
By Kennedy Hansen February 26, 2025
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!
By Kennedy Hansen February 26, 2025
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!
February 24, 2025
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.
By Kennedy Hansen December 19, 2024
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!”
By Kennedy Hansen November 22, 2024
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.
February 14, 2024
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.”
January 9, 2024
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.
December 12, 2023
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.
November 28, 2023
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
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