The Moore Chamber of Commerce last week recognized several individuals and businesses for their service to the Moore Chamber and the Moore community at its second annual Salute to Excellence Awards Mixer, held at The Station at Central Park in Moore on Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Chamber presented seven awards in recognition and appreciation of the winners’ exceptional support to the Moore Chamber and the overall business community including:

• Legacy Award – Terry Cavnar
• Citizen of the Year – John Ireland
• Large Business of the Year – Silver Star Construction
• Small Business of the Year – The Hairy Paw Inn
• Team of the Year – Integrated Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma
• Trailblazer of the Year – Amy Singleton
• Rising Star – Jennifer Seals

“We believe our people and their enormous hearts are what makes Moore such a special community, and we at the Chamber are fortunate to witness it each and every day through our Chamber members,” said Kim Brown, President/CEO of the Moore Chamber of Commerce. “It only makes sense for us to honor these difference makers annually, which is so impactful to watch.”

LEGACY AWARD

The highlight of the event was when longtime Moore business owner and community leader Terry Cavnar of Cavnar Insurance was awarded the Legacy Award.

“If you’ve ever seen Terry Cavnar’s smile or heard his laugh, you might get a glimpse into what makes him a legacy,” said Brown.

Back in 1982, a young Terry Cavnar decided after being a teacher for four years that he wanted to start his own business. What did he do next? He walked down the street and joined the Chamber and has been a member ever since. In fact, he served two terms as chair of the board of directors.

He truly has a servant's heart. So much so, he served 16 years on the Moore City Council. During his service with the city, he was Vice Mayor and worked on economic development. Prior to that, he served on the Planning Commission, which is a great lead into service on the council.

But his resume does not stop there. He has served on the board of directors of Moore Alcohol and Drug Center, Moore Youth and Family Services (both for more than 17 years), Cleveland County Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Moore Public School Foundation (also was a charter member). He has also been recognized as Patron of the Year by the Moore Crimestoppers. And if that wasn’t enough, he also owns Moore Overhead Door. Oh, wait there is a little bit more, he rides bicycles – tandem with his lovely bride, Rhonda. And when we say “ride” we use that term loosely as they travel on bicycles in Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, France, and of course, across the United States.

The recipient of the Legacy Award is an individual that has made significant development in the history of Moore area; displays long-term leadership for more than 30 years; and demonstrates volunteerism that results in civic, social, or economic improvement of the community. This award may not be awarded each year.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Citizen of the Year award was presented to John Ireland of John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel.

“You can typically see John Ireland running the streets of Old Town Moore with his jeans tucked into his boots,” said Brown. “But he is way more than that… he is an enthusiastic proponent of Moore. He believes that Moore is the place to be, and it is evident by the way he contributes his time, energy and money.”

His business has been around for nearly 30 years and in that time, he has made an impact not only on his industry but in the Moore community. He also has his hands in at least five other businesses in the area. But it doesn’t stop there.

Old Town Moore is a sense of pride for Ireland. He wants nothing more than for every business in the area to be successful. You may find him sticking his head in just to see how things are going… and it may just turn into a “short story.” He has vested his energy by working hard to build up Old Town Moore Association with downtown events.

Ireland, along with some great help, has built Haunt Old Town into the largest downtown event. He also coordinated a Moore Christmas parade.

“And we are pretty sure there are more events in the works. Of course, we must mention that he purchased highly visible OPEN signs for the businesses in Old Town as well as donated his commercial time for their events,” added Brown.

But let’s not forget his other acts of giving. Crimestoppers, the Moore Chamber, and Moore Public Schools - all have benefited from his generosity. Speaking of his big heart, that man can cook a mean bunch of hamburgers or hotdogs! And all those who have attended National Night Out have seen his generosity at work as well. The list is quite long of what Ireland has done and continues to do for the Moore community.

The Citizen of the Year award is given to a current or former chamber member, business owner, senior officer, or community leader who has, over the course of his or her career, demonstrated a long-term commitment to the Moore area and its business community. The winner must be a citizen in the Moore area and involved in growing the community through their vision and leadership; demonstrate commitment to voluntary service; and display high ethical and personal integrity.

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Silver Star Construction was named the Large Business of the Year award. Starting their business in 1981 with a backbone in honesty, safety, hard work and integrity, Silver Star Construction has been blessed with eminent growth from a one-man shop with a dump truck to an employee stock ownership plan corporation with over 250 employees.

The company’s community involvement initiative began over 10 years ago. It instills a mindset that the employees can rally behind and truly invest in. As a part of this rally, they give back to the community in a wide facet of opportunities including Coats for Kids, food drives, a benefit car show and much more. Through these efforts and employee-conducted events, they have been able to give back to the community upwards of $10,000 to area organizations over the past couple of years.

They are currently the largest commercial paving contractor in the Oklahoma City metro. They have focused on innovative ways to better serve their communities and employees. As a result, they have implemented Total Process Reliability (TPR) to increase efficiency and safety. The process has been exciting for them and their team as they are leading the charge. They have given everyone a say in the direction of the company and the improvements that will be made. They have a culture that has led to great pride in the workplace.

The Large Business of the Year is given to a business that has been in operation for at least five (5) years; is in good standing of the Moore Chamber; is a “for-profit” business with 50 or more employees in the Moore area; shows growth through revenue and creation of jobs; demonstrates innovation in products and services; shows volunteerism of employee base; and demonstrates economic support of the Moore area business community.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

The Small Business of the Year was awarded to The Hairy Paw Inn. For most people, “roughing it” is a hotel without room service. So, why can’t our furry loved ones be granted this same luxury? Since opening its doors, The Hairy Paw Inn has seen great growth due in part to the symbiotic support of other small businesses in the Moore and most of all the relationships built with area residents. This growth has been such a blessing in that they are currently at capacity and have a waiting list each weekend. What a wonderful struggle to have as it has afforded them the opportunity to expand their facilities.

They are firm believers that all this would not be possible without their team. They have been with them through the thick of it and the result is evident.

Their work doesn’t end at the door of their business. They believe in giving back to the community, participating in community events, fundraisers for area shelters and rescue organizations and more. They are the home away from home for our pets who ALWAYS greet us with a wagging tail. Love really is spelled with four paws.

The Small Business of the Year is awarded to a business that has been in operation for at least five (5) years; is a member in good standing of the Moore Chamber; is a “for profit" business with fewer than 50 employees in the Moore area; shows growth through revenue and creation of jobs; demonstrates innovation in products and services; shows volunteerism of employee base; and demonstrates economic support of the Moore area business community.

EMPLOYEE/TEAM OF THE YEAR

Integrated Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma received the Employee/Team of the Year award, for their longstanding service to the community, especially the last three years during the pandemic.

With mental health being at the top of everyone’s mind, it makes this team easy to acknowledge. They have dedicated themselves to changing the stigma associated with mental health. During the pandemic, they continued to offer services. Even with the many struggles associated with access, they were able to provide efficient and quick quality care while maintaining positive attitudes and a strong work ethic. 

Almost hitting the three-year mark, their team has grown to over 90. The staff is trauma trained so that they can focus on providing the best quality of services to their clientele which has grown to more than 1,200.

The Employee/Team of the Year is awarded to an employee or team at a business that is in good standing with the Moore Chamber; is a full-time employee(s) with accomplishments occurring during the previous calendar year; and demonstrates community involvement and/or makes civic contributions.

TRAILBLAZER OF THE YEAR

Amy Singleton of Hite Digital Norman accepted the Trailblazer of the Year award for her dedication to growing business and building relationships.

“This young lady is truly someone special,” said Brown. “She came into our world like a rocket and hasn’t slowed down since. And it doesn’t look like that is in the forecast anytime soon.”

There is much more to this book than the cover. And lucky for us, Singleton’s story started in Moore as a graduate of Moore schools. She is passionate about getting people to tell their stories, and her own story is worth the read. She does not candy coat the struggles she has endured and overcome throughout her life. The challenges she has faced have led her to a path of building up others, encouraging people through recovery, and connecting people - whether it is with another business, a mentor, a service or just lending an ear.

As a small business owner, she understands the struggles that women may encounter. As a part of her continued effort to encourage others, she created a podcast about women for women called Queens Lead. Because of her efforts, she is now venturing into the world of public speaking. “There is no stopping her!” added Brown.

The Trailblazer of the Year award is given to a local entrepreneur, business, or service provider that has been in operation for three years or less; is a member in good standing of the Moore Chamber; demonstrates involvement in the engagement, development, and growth of entrepreneurship; and makes a positive impact on entrepreneurship or small business activity in the community.

RISING STAR

Jennifer Seals of Integrity Inventory Solutions received the Rising Star Award for her active community involvement in giving back.

“Since the day she became involved in the Chamber, we knew something was special about Jennifer,” said Brown. “She has a special view of the world around her, and it shows in her passion for giving back.”

Seals has been active in the community on many levels, from the Chamber’s Young Professional Group to Crimestoppers, from providing and passing out water to runners to being the Grinch. Our Fill the Bus school supply drive is the perfect fit for her - not only is she able to give to others, but she is stellar in keeping up with the inventory, and we appreciate that. 

And she was destined to be a business owner. Almost hitting the three-year mark, she has seen her business continue to grow and establish a reputation that is valued among her clients and peers. “We are sure that there are great things ahead for her and can’t wait to see what’s around the bend,” added Brown.

The Rising Star award is given to an individual based on his or her service and involvement in the Moore area, an initiative in seeking and fulfilling leadership roles throughout the community, displays professionalism in their field of work, and has a vision and passion to mentor and lead others.

Thank you to our premier sponsor - First United Bank; executive sponsor – Moore Norman Technology Center; advocate sponsor – BancFirst; reception sponsors – Guerrero Electrical Services and Oklahoma Natural Gas; and associate sponsors – Eaton Business Solutions, Hite Digital Norman, Norman Regional Health System, OG&E, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative/OEC Fiber, and Shelter Insurance Freeman Agency.

PHOTO CAPTION: Award winners pictured, from left, are: Shay Espinosa, Integrated Therapy Solutions of Oklahoma – Team of the Year; Chuck and Wendy Musgrove, The Hairy Paw Inn – Small Business of the Year; John Ireland – Citizen of the Year; Tim Caudle, Silver Star Construction – Large Business of the Year; Jennifer Seals – Rising Star of the Year; Amy Singleton – Trailblazer of the Year; and Terry Cavnar – Legacy Award.