2026 Gala Awards

When: Thursday, August 27th at 5:00 P.M.

Where: Viridian Event Center in West Jordan, UT

Each year, ChamberWest recognizes outstanding member companies and individuals across four award categories. Three finalists will be selected in each category, and the winners will be announced live at the Gala, similar to the Oscars!

Please take a few minutes to nominate a deserving business or individual. There is no limit to the number of nominations you can submit, so we encourage you to help us recognize the businesses and people who are exceeding expectations throughout the ChamberWest footprint.

In addition to the four award categories, ChamberWest will also recognize a Hall of Fame Award recipient and Legislator of the Year. These honorees will be nominated and selected by a special Annual Awards Nomination Committee.

Nominate ChamberWest member companies and individuals in the following categories:

Small Business of the Year (Fewer than 50 Employees)

Business of the Year (Typically over 50 Employees)

Best Place to Work

Volunteer of the Year

Nominate A Deserving Business

2026 Hall of Fame Award Winner

Wayne Harper is a dedicated public servant with extensive experience in leadership, management, and government collaboration. Representing West Jordan and Taylorsville in the Utah State Senate, he is committed to engaging constituents, addressing community needs, and advocating for families, children, and property rights. With a strong focus on transportation and responsible tax policy, Senator Harper is a key voice in crafting legislation that supports Utah’s growth.

His influence extends nationally as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures, where he just wrapped up four years serving as President and Vice President where he lead over 7,300 elected legislators officials and advocates for sound policymaking, treating others with respect, and conservative principles at both state and federal levels.

Senator Harper was a driving force behind the creation of the ChamberWest Legislative Affairs Committee, reflecting his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the westside business community and the legislature. His advocacy has been pivotal in shaping policies that support local businesses, encourage innovation, and promote a favorable economic climate in Utah. His leadership is characterized by a pragmatic approach and a focus on pragmatic solutions that benefit his constituents and the state at large.

2026 Legislator of the Year

Senator Luz Escamilla has represented Utah Senate District 10 (Salt Lake City's west side, West Valley City, and Magna) since 2008, now in her fifth term as Senate Democratic Leader and vice-chair of the Senate Ethics Committee.

A strategy and government relations consultant, she was appointed by Governor Huntsman in 2005 as the first director of Utah's State Office of Ethnic Affairs, and spent 13 years at Zions Bank in community development and Hispanic/Latino market roles. She now co-founder and manages ESCATEC Solutions, focused on technology support, CX, and international trade. She also serves on numerous boards, including NCSL, NHCSL, the Salt Lake City Airport Advisory Board, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, and the 2034 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Steering Committee.

Her honors include being the first Utahn named an "Outstanding American by Choice" by USCIS, along with awards from the Utah Democratic Council, Voices for Utah Children, and Utah Women Run.

Born in Mexico, she was the first Latina elected to the Utah Senate and the first immigrant elected to the Utah Legislature. Over 17 years in office, she's focused on healthcare access, food security, air quality, transportation, and childcare, with a particular commitment to children's welfare and religious freedom.

She holds a BS in Business Marketing and an MPA from the University of Utah, plus an honorary doctorate from Salt Lake Community College. She lives on Salt Lake City's west side with her husband, Juan Carlos, their six children, and a cat named Meow.

Nominees for 2026 Awards Gala

Business of the Year

Granger Medical Clinic

SME Industries

Small Business of the Year

Stratus HR

Vigilant I.T.

Good Day Catering

Best Place to Work

Embassy Suites West Valley City

Kearns Improvement District

The City Journals

Volunteer of the Year

Jason Helm, General Manager, Granger-Hunter Improvement District

Mary Woodard, VP Business Development, Granite Credit Union

Stephen Smith, Utah Inland Port Authority

Sponsorship Opportunities for ChamberWest Members

Join ChamberWest members, business leaders, and community partners for a high-energy annual celebration honoring outstanding businesses, volunteers, and civic leaders across our region. Sponsorship offers a valuable opportunity to showcase your organization, connect with local decision-makers, and support an event that celebrates the impact of the ChamberWest business community.

Reach out to any of your ChamberWest representatives to purchase a sponsorship table!

Call Us

Email Us

SAPPHIRE

PRESENTING SPONSORS

$7,000

Company Logo Prominently Displayed on all Event Advertising

Including Print, Social Media and on ChamberWest Website Event Page

Company Logo Prominently Displayed in Event Program Recognizing Level of Sponsorship

Verbal Recognition of Company Sponsorship throughout the Event

Full Page Color Ad in Event Program

Company Logo Included on all Tables at Event as Presenting Sponsor

Premier Location for (2) Tables of Eight at Gala

RED BERYL

MAJOR SPONSORS

$3,500

Company Logo included on ChamberWest Website Event Page

Company Logo Prominently Displayed in Event Program Recognizing Level of Sponsorship

Verbal Recognition at Event

Logo included in Event Advertising

Half-Page Full Color Ad in Event Program

Company Logo on Table

Prominent Location for Table of Eight at Gala

TOPAZ

RECEPTION SPONSORS

$2,500

Company Logo included on ChamberWest Website Event Page

Company Logo Prominently Displayed in Event Program Recognizing Level of Sponsorship

Verbal Recognition at the Event

Quarter-Page Full Color Ad in Event Program

Company Logo on Table

Table of Eight at Gala

OPAL

PROGRAM SPONSORS

$2,000

Company Logo included on ChamberWest Website Event Page

Company Logo prominently displayed in Event Program Recognizing Level of Sponsorship

Verbal Recognition at the Event

Company Logo on Table

Table of Eight at Gala

TURQUOISE

TABLE SPONSORS

$1,500

Company Name included on ChamberWest Website Event Page

Company Name included in Event Program

Verbal Recognition at the Event

Company Logo on Table

Table of Eight at Gala

Hall of Fame

Each year, the Annual Awards Gala celebrates organizations and individuals who demonstrate leadership, service, innovation, and a strong commitment to strengthening the ChamberWest region. Take a look back at past winners who have helped shape and support our business community.