ST. GEORGE — Eight individuals were recognized at the “Starry Nights Gala” Saturday night, recognizing contributions to the community from individuals and their businesses.
“We award eight outstanding individuals that make our community so great,” said Gregg McArthur, president of event host the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce.
Held in the SunRiver St. George Ballroom, around 250 people came to honor award recipients. Attendees included members of the chamber, municipal and county leaders and others from the area’s business community.
“It’s … an honor to be honored in my hometown,” Bobby Edwards, founder and CEO of Squatty Potty, said. Edwards received the Emergence of an Entrepreneur award.
Award recipients like Edwards were featured in short videos that showcased who they are and what they had done for the community.
“We’re really excited,” Lindsey Boyer, executive director of the Dove Center, said.
The Dove Center was recognized as the nonprofit of the year with a Community of Compassion award. The center focuses on aiding the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
“We’re grateful for another opportunity to spread awareness (of what we do),” Boyer said.
Other award recipients included:
- Max Rose, a former superintendent of the Washington County School District, who received the Legacy of a Lifetime award/Lifetime Achievement award.
- St. George City Manager Gary Esplin, who was recognized as the public servant of the year with the Champion of Change award. Esplin has been St. George’s city manager for 40 years and has been an advocate of keeping the city’s downtown area viable and vibrant. It is an effort he has called “a labor of love.”
- Carmen Snow, who serves as an adviser to the Washington City Youth Council and is a former executive director of Utahns for Public Schools; she received the Spirit of Dixie award, acknowledging her as the Volunteer of the Year.
- Dave Hawk, of ServPro of St. George, who was recognized with the Employee of Excellence award.
- Dr. Lincoln Nadauld of Dixie Regional Medical Center St. George, who was named Innovator of the Year, receiving the Influence of Innovation award.
- Parke and Emily Cox, of Cox Trucking, who were recognized with the Business Integrity award.
“We need to honor all those amazing individuals that make St. George the amazing place that it is,” McArthur said. “All are extremely deserving of the awards.”
St. George News Senior Reporter Mori Kessler contributed to this story.
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