The Inter-Mountain photo by Taylor McKinnie The Inter-Mountain sponsored the 2025 Business of the Year award during the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Dinner & Awards Thursday night. Third Street Tattoo owners Emily and Dustin Standridge, center and center right, were presented the award by I-M Editor Brad Johnson, center left. Joining them were Chamber President Zach Elbon, far left, and Executive Director Karrah Washington, far right. See more photos on page B1.

ELKINS — Local businesses and individuals were honored during the 2026 Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Dinner & Awards Thursday night.

During the event at Davis & Elkins College’s Myles Center for the Arts, the annual dinner saw businesses, organizations, non-profits, officials, artists and citizens come together to honor their associates and friends.

ERCCC Executive Director Karrah Washington said the awards dinner may have had its “largest crowd to date” with 280 confirmed attendees.

The evening began with guests being welcomed by Chamber Board President Zach Elbon, who thanked Chamber members and sponsors. The pledge of allegiance was led by Nicholas Rizzio of Boy Scout Troop #166, with the invocation given by D&E President Chris Wood, who also greeted guests on behalf of the college.

Scott Goddard, D&E’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement, was the night’s Master of Ceremonies.

The first award of the evening, the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year Award, went to the Mountaineer Chapter – Izaak Walton League of America. The award honors a non-profit organization that, “in pursuit of its mission,” has shown significant contributions to the community. The award was presented by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad.

“Here in Randolph County, (Izaak Walton League of America’s) members have carried that mission forward through decades of hands-on service, education and community engagement,” presenter Adam Williams, with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, stated before the award was given out.

“Their work has helped create outdoor opportunities that bring people of all ages closer to nature. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, they host a number of youth-centered events designed to introduce young people to the outdoors while fostering environmental stewardship.”

The 2025 Community Art Award was given to local artist Scottie Roberts Wiest. The award honors a business or organization that is working to support “Art as an Economic Driver” in Elkins-Randolph County. It was co-sponsored by The Arts Center and Augusta Heritage Center.

“At the heart of (Wiest’s) work is a simple belief: beauty exists everywhere, and it is the artist’s role to help others see it,” Augusta Heritage Center Executive Director Seth Young said before presenting Wiest the award. “As she once explained, ‘If I find a leaf, I’ll pick it up and bring it home. I look for beauty with an inner eye.’ Through clay, community and decades of dedication, she has helped others discover that same beauty.”

The Chamber’s 2025 Young Leader of the Year award went to Phil Gainer Community Center Facility Manager Owen Peet. The award is presented to an “outstanding leader” in the community who has made “significant strides” to improve Randolph County during 2025 with his or her talents, progressive thinking and volunteer efforts in the community.

“Known for his friendly and approachable manner, (Peet) takes pride in creating an environment where everyone feels welcome,” Lori Chenoweth of Agency LMC said before presenting Peet the award. “His commitment to service extends far beyond his professional role. He assists with Randolph County Toys for Tots, serves as a board member of HOFNOD, is president of the Randolph County Family Resource Network and is an active Rotarian and board member.”

Kristie Vandevander, CPA, was honored as the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year. The award is presented to a business person or persons who has provided the community with “dedicated service, innovative ideas, ethics and community spirit.”

“Business owners throughout our region rely on (Vandevander’s) expertise not just during tax season, but throughout the year as they make important financial decisions, grow their companies and plan for the future,” Davis Trust Company President Hoy Ferguson said in presenting the award. “Her dedication to professionalism, responsiveness, and quality has built a trusted reputation that continues to bring clients back year after year.”

Owners of Third Street Tattoo, Emily and Dustin Standridge, received the 2025 Business of the Year Award, which was presented by The Inter-Mountain. This award is presented to a member in good standing of the ERCCC and is actively involved in the community by having high standards, “including innovative progress, customer service, ethics and a positive image particularly noteworthy in recent years.”

“Their impact on the community is immeasurable,” I-M Editor Brad Johnson stated before presenting the award. “Through fundraising efforts and special events, they have helped raise more than $40,000 for local organizations and nonprofits, while also helping facilitate community events and mini festivals alongside fellow business owners.”

The award for the 2025 New Business of the Year went to Kristin Kissee, owner of A’La Board Plates & Platters. This award was presented to a new business, started in 2024 or 2025, that the Chamber believes is bringing a new innovative product or service to this area while focusing on community spirit.

“What began as a passion for food and entertaining has grown into a business known for its thoughtfully crafted charcuterie displays and beautifully curated gatherings,” presenter Robbie Morris, Executive Director of the Randolph County Development Authority, said. “Through her work, she helps transform events into memorable experiences where people feel welcomed, celebrated and connected.”

Roy Schneider, Pastor of The Refinery Church, was honored as the Chamber’s 2025 Citizen of the Year. The award is presented to a Randolph County resident who has served the community through acts of heroism, humanitarianism, charity or other “outstanding service” particularly in 2025.

“(Schneider) has also made a meaningful impact within our local leadership development efforts,” Citizens Bank President Nathaniel Bonnell said before presenting the award. “The Chamber is incredibly grateful for his support in helping launch Leadership Ready, a collaborative program between the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber and Randolph County CLIMB designed to equip rising high school sophomores and juniors with leadership skills and real-world exposure to career pathways in our region.”

The 2025 Chamber’s Partner of the Year was awarded to Artists at Work President Dan Engstrom. This award is presented to a Chamber Partner, whether a business, organization or individual, who has served the Chamber “above and beyond in 2025.”

Unlike the other awards, there are no nominations for Partner of the Year. The final decision for the recipient is at the discretion of the Chamber Board president.

“Within the Chamber itself, this year’s recipient has been an enthusiastic and engaged partner,”  Doug Weese, President and CEO of Mountain Valley Bank, said in presenting the award. “He serves as a member of the Chamber’s Educate Committee and has generously volunteered his time and expertise to teach several workshops and educational programs, helping provide valuable professional development opportunities for local businesses and community members.”

The final award of the evening, the Tom Williams Award of Distinction, was awarded to Joyce Butler McKee Allen, who received a standing ovation when she was presented her award.

The award is presented to “an exemplary individual” who has made significant civic, charitable and community contributions and/or volunteered numerous hours to enhance the quality of life for people in Randolph County.

“Our next recognition honors an individual whose lifelong commitment to education, philanthropy and community leadership has left a remarkable and lasting impact on Randolph County and throughout West Virginia,” Mike Bell, who received the award in 2024, said in presenting the honor to Allen. “This year’s honoree is a retired educator, civic leader and dedicated philanthropist whose passion for strengthening communities and supporting future generations has guided decades of service.”

Goddard commented that Allen’s “lifelong dedication to service” has not only inspired many in the community, but also continues to be felt “in meaningful and lasting ways” every day. Goddard also joked that he had been told Allen thought she was simply being honored for purchasing the Elkins Christmas tree for the City of Elkins last year.