Frontiersman celebrates ‘Best of the Valley’

PALMER — The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman’s first annual Best of the Valley Toast of the Town event drew a sizable crowd Tuesday night at the Palmer Train Depot.

Much of the community has long kept the Best of the Valley awards in their mental calendars, and almost like clockwork start calling the Frontiersman office when the voting period draws near.

The awards are given to individuals, groups and businesses (large and small) to recognize greatness in their respective categories. Categories include: Recreation/ Accommodation, Food/Drink, Retail, Services, People/Professionals, Venues/ Destinations, and Healthcare/Wellness.

“Overall I personally was very impressed with the effort that the Frontiersman took to put the event on and pay recognition to the business leaders in the community. It was a great time meeting with fellow business leaders along with new and successful ones too. It was fun to be in a room with so much talent and positive energy,” Settler’s Bay Golf Course GM/GCSAA Class A Superintendent of Golf Course Operations Amos Stephens said.

From individual honors such as, “friendliest gal” or “first responder,” to professionals in the various fields that make up the community like best teacher or barista, the Best of the Valley awards is an effort to recognize anyone in the community from the unsung heroes to notable faces around town, it’s the readers who choose with their votes.

“We were honored to be chosen by our peers as the Best Golf Facility in The Mat-Su and even more so that we were the most voted in our category. The satisfaction goes beyond the communities choice and is a direct reflection on the staff that we employ and whom carries out the daily operations at the facility. We are extremely proud of them and we thank the Mat-Su for their recognition of their effort as well,” Stephens said.

Although the list of 2018 winners in their specific categories recognizes about 150 people throughout the Valley, this premier award ceremony highlighted the overall winners of each category. It also served as a networking event. Frontiersman Publisher Dennis Anderson described it as the, “networking event of the year.”

Best of the Valley had significant participation from the Frontiersman readers. More than 4,000 people participated and 38,627 votes were cast. The event was an opportunity for businesses who participated to interact and be celebrated.

“It was a sellout event that packed the depot. It gave us an opportunity to celebrate our community and the people who make the Mat Su Valley the best,” Regional Multimedia Marketing Manager for Wick Communications for Alaska, Tawni Davis said. “Best of The Valley is a unique event unlike any other in the Mat-Su and I am excited to see how it grows in the years to come.”

Edie Grunwald, a candidate for lieutenant governor in the upcoming state election, was voted “Person Of The Year” at the end of 2017 and was recognized at the ceremony.

“This will be a new tradition for the Frontiersman. We selected Edie because of her response after the tragic loss of her son David. Edie and her husband Ben picked themselves up from a devastating, life-altering event to emerge as community leaders,” Anderson said.

Grunwald gave a brief speech. She talked about the various individuals and business stepping up for her surviving family when they needed them; and the times those individuals and small businesses step up for each other when they needed each other.

“The Person of the Year award was very touching and well thought of. Edie Grunwald was beyond amazing in giving her acceptance speech,” Stephens said.

“I want to thank the community for the outpour and the support,” Grunwald said. “We’ve got to just help each other and support each other.”

Sen. Shelly Hughes was the keynote speaker for the event after being voted the “Valley’s Best Politician.” She joked that this ceremony was essentially the Valley’s “Grammys.”

“During Hughes’ time as a state senator she has dealt with her diagnosis of breast cancer with unbelievable strength and dignity,” Anderson said.

Hughes thanked the Frontiersman readers and Best of the Valley voters for their participation and made sure to remind everyone of the upcoming elections.

“I’d like to award one more Best of the Valley… drum roll please!” Hughes said, prompting a digital drumroll from the DJ.

She created a new category at the podium: “most engaged and most persevering.” She opened up the winner from her “imaginary envelope.”

“For the Frontiersman readers and best of the Valley voters, let’s give our community a big round of applause,” Hughes shouted. The room obliged, cheering and whooping and hollering.

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center CEO Dave Wallace spoke briefly at the beginning and towards then end of the event, after MSRMC was voted best in Healthcare/Wellness. Both times, he spoke heavily on how much he loved living here. He shared how glad he was that he moved here many years ago. Now, he calls this place “home.”

“I got my dream job in my dream place,” Wallace said.

Other speakers included Roxy Mayberry on behalf of MTA. She echoed Wallace’s sentiments on the Valley being the best place to work and live.

Deputy Administrator for the City of Wasilla, Lyn Carden, spoke about the impact the businesses in Wasilla have on the Mat-Su Valley economy and the growth of the Mat-Su Valley citing statistics from State Economists Neal Freed.

Palmer Mayor Edna Devries praised businesses in the city of Palmer and spoke to what Palmer brings in economic impact and quality of life in the Mat-Su Valley.

Anderson called the event a success on many levels. “What a great opportunity for business leaders to enjoy a meal and meet other business owners and to share experiences. I bet some partnerships were formed tonight, as well,” Anderson said. “I’m really grateful for Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and their sponsorship. Dave Wallace and his team are a cornerstone of our community. I was delighted that MTA sponsored the red carpet photo booth but I was also very pleased to present to them ‘The Community Service Award’. MTA really has such an impact on our community and their new scholarship foundation will have a lasting impact on the future of the Mat-Su.”

While voting for the best this and best that in the Valley is the impetus behind Best of the Valley, Anderson said he was glad to see the speakers give the event more community relevance.

“I appreciated the speakers this evening; they created quite a buzz,” Anderson said. “Senator Hughes was very engaging and what can I say about Edie Grunwald. There is no greater example of personal strength than Edie and her husband Ben.”

Other businesses recognized were BearPaw River Brewing Co, Palmer City Alehouse, Tides and Times Tattoo, Fred Meyer, Alaska State Fair, and Hall Quality Homes.

The event was produced by Newcity Events and catering by Main Event Catering.