Donna: The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce has decided to give two individual awards at the business awards ceremony. This year we are introducing a Business Person of the Year Award and our winner is Elaine Porter with Landmark Catering. Elaine and her husband, Hal, have owned and operated Landmark Catering for 16 years. They took the opportunity to start the business after moving to Utah from Mesa, Arizona.

The full service and creative catering company benefits from both Hal’s experience in the food industry and Elaine’s artistic nature. Elaine is an active supporter of the Chamber’s Women’s Business Network and also the Chamber Foundation, formerly the Women’s Division. Both of these organizations have enjoyed fantastic events frequently at a much higher caliber because of Elaine’s willingness to volunteer her time and incredible talents in both the quality of food and also the beautiful arrangements and presentation.

It is not easy to separate the achievements of Elaine from those of her spouse and business partner, Hal Porter. He is certainly her partner in success, personally and professionally. We recognize his support of her passion to give back and to support women in business throughout Utah Valley.

There are some talents that have earned Elaine the recognition as an exceptional business person from fellow Chamber members. First, is her dedication to doing things right. She is meticulous in her artistry and service. She loves to make things beautiful for friends, family and customers who are treated as friends and family. Second, is her generosity. Elaine is always ready to help out or be a part of something important in the community, usually by feeding everyone.

Besides running a catering company, Elaine’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her four (almost five) grandchildren. They like to go on “dates” with Grandma and Grandpa. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that Grandma and Grandpa are excellent cooks.

Val: The Rising Star Award was created four years ago to honor someone in the business community who is on a fast-track to success — someone who has already made a difference but whose best days are still ahead. The first Rising Star award went to restaurateur Colton Soelberg. The next recipient was UVU President Matthew Holland, and last year’s honoree was Jeff Rust from Corporate Alliance.

The Rising Star for 2014 is Jared Morgan, executive director of Downtown Provo, Inc. In his role, Jared is responsible to promote and brand Downtown Provo. He has been at the job for just over a couple of years but has already seen considerable success.

Consider that, a year ago, there were no paying members of the Downtown Business Association, yet today there are 100 members that contribute over $100,000 through memberships to help make it a self-sustaining organization. He manages a full-time staff of two people (including himself) and two interns.

Last year sales tax revenues in the downtown area were the best in eight years. “There is more awareness about what’s going on downtown,” Morgan says. “People are talking about it. It’s catching momentum.”

A good example of the transformation of Downtown Provo is the growing music culture. Downtown Provo has pumped more national stars onto the music scene recently than just about anywhere in the nation, with the possible exception of Nashville. There are several unique music venues, and the Rooftop Concert Series is very popular with the younger crowd. Jared and others are even looking to bring a music festival to Provo.

Jared came to Downtown Provo Inc. from the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw the Business Development Team. The City Creek development was finishing up in Salt Lake City, and some people from Provo reached out to him about the job. He thought it was a good opportunity and headed south.

Jared lives in Daybreak and frequently rides the train to work in Provo. He and his wife, Erin, have two children. He is the son of Tom Morgan, a former executive with Zions Bank who is now serving as an LDS Mission President in New York City.

Congratulations to Jared on this well-deserved honor from members of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

• Val Hale is president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. Donna Milakovic is Executive Vice President of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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