Natrona County Library has been awarded the “Community Partner of the Year” by the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce. On the evening of May 4th, the Chamber held their 119th annual Excellence in Business Award ceremony, also known as the EBBIES. The event sees businesses, organizations, and citizens from around Casper and central Wyoming recognized for their positive impact on the community.
This year, the Library was nominated for two EBBIES awards, including both “Community Partner of the Year” and “Large Business of the Year”. Organizations and individuals are nominated by their peers for these honors and awards.
The “Community Partner of the Year” honors individuals or companies who volunteer their time and service to an organization, school, or community endeavor in the Casper area that has resulted in the advancement of that entity, its mission, and/or cause. The winner is recognized for their significant contribution of time, skills, and resources toward the improvement of the Casper community. The Library was in good company, with fellow nominees including ADVANCE Casper, Pathfinder Federal Credit Union, the Hampton Inn & Suites, the McMurry Foundation, and the Natrona Collective Health Trust.
“This honor wouldn’t be possible without each of our amazing staff, and it serves as confirmation that the community recognizes the many things the Library does to positively impact our community,” says Lisa Scroggins, the Library’s Executive Director.
To be nominated among other local businesses highlights the recognized value of the Library’s services, resources, and programs targeted specifically to entrepxreneurs, business people, and local organizations. Also, in a time when public libraries across the nation are being maligned for the choices they make to create inclusive spaces, collections, and services, it’s reaffirming to be recognized by other local businesses and civic organizations for the work we do to create a thriving and dynamic community.
Winners were decided by community votes, and the Library received 1,167 votes out of 2,103 responses. The Chamber honored seven different organizations at this year’s event, recognizing individuals and groups across a broad range of categories. The winners include:
Community Partner of the Year: Natrona County Library
Emerging Leader of the Year: Angela Deniz – City of Casper
Chamber Spirit of the Year: Gena Jensen – National Historic Trails Center Foundation
Organization of the Year: Project Kenny
Large Business of the Year: Townsquare
Small Business of the Year: Red Wing Shoes
Member of the Year: Donell’s Candies