Chamberwest event pays tribute to its corporate supporters
Oct 06, 2025 06:48PM ● By Tom Haraldsen
The Las Vegas-themed Chamberwest awards gala honored several local businesses on Sept. 10 at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
It was a throwback to the Las Vegas days of old when Chamberwest held its annual awards gala Sept. 10 at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan. From decor to attendees dressed in Vegas-theme attire, the night was set aside to celebrate local businesses.
Following a moving performance of the National Anthem by B. Murphy, host emcee was Tim Hughes, long-time Utah broadcaster who recently retired from KSL Newsradio but still voices projects for the University of Utah and Las Vegas Raiders’ football games. He also lends his voice to worldwide work with Glory Kickboxing, working throughout Europe.
Performing before the gala and during the show was the Hot House Swing Collective, a group of talented musicians who entertained attendees with great music.
The program began with two large awards, including the recipient into the Chamberwest Hall of Fame. That honor went to Ben Horsley, Granite School District Superintendent. He was named to lead the District in 2024 after serving as Chief of Staff and Director of Communications for 16 years. He has also served in the past as chair of Chamberwest’s Legislative Affairs Committee and helped launch the Chamber’s Job Fair program.
State Rep. Matt MacPherson was named Legislator of the Year. He represents District 26 in Salt Lake County. He was praised for running a bill benefiting the business community and for his efforts on affordable housing, economic development, education, gun safety and mental health resources.
Four other awards were also presented.
The Volunteer of the Year award went to Steve Pluim of TalentTeam, a member of the Chamberwest Board of Directors. The Best Place to Work award was given to Markosian Auto, with Nick Markosian, vice chair of the Chamber Board and committee chair for the gala, accepting the honor.
Small Business of the Year was given to Chick-fil-A of West Valley, with Chamber Board Member Paul Howard accepting the award. The Business of the Year was presented to CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals’ West Valley and Jordan Valley locations, and a major sponsor of the event.
