The idea of building traditions within the community moved Vineyard Mayor Julie Fullmer to start the first ever Impact Vineyard awards.

The awards honor residents, businesses and community partners in Vineyard for their contributions in building the city into what it is today.

“We held our first awards program to recognize and honor the good works of citizens, businesses and partners and to start a tradition of recognizing members of the community for all they do to move city priorities forward. We know we could not do what we do without dedicated volunteers and partners,” Fullmer said.

On Tuesday, awards were handed out to several recipients including Stephen Blake as Coach of the Year, Wendy Purrington as Volunteer of the Year and Vineyard Youth Council Mayor Alexa Dadson as Youth Volunteer of the Year. Jason Clawson was honored with the Vineyard Cares Award for his work to create Hope Kits to aid people who are experiencing loss or mental health issues.

Vineyard residents Christine Jeffs, Auria Maxson, Graden Ostler, Julie Gray and Randy Gray were honored as Strengthening Community Members for their efforts to promote positive solutions in the community. Tim Blackburn received the J. Rulon Gammon Award for his work on the Vineyard’s Heritage Commission.

Steven Swallow, owner of restaurants Umami and Tsubame, was recognized as Small Business of the Year, and Ryan Le Cheminant and his team at Vista Healthcare as New Business of the Year. Orem Community Hospital Administrator Lenny Lyons received the Vineyard Cares Business of the Year Award and Clay Winder from RedSign received the Sponsor of the Year Award. Bronson Tatton accepted the Vineyard Impact Award for Flagship.

Fullmer also honored UDOT Region Three Director Rob Clayton with the Mayor’s Award and MAG Executive Director Andrew Jackson with the Trailblazer Award.

Fullmer recognized Eric Christensen, a member of Vineyard’s staff who passed away in August and presented a framed photo to his wife, Amy Christensen, and announced plans to install a tree and bench in his honor this spring at Vineyard Grove Park.

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