GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the accomplishments, dedication and community spirit of its local business community during the 2025 Awards Night held on Friday, May 29 in the Galt Chamber Courtyard.

Sponsored by SMUD, the annual event brought together business owners, nonprofit leaders, community members and supporters to recognize the individuals and organizations that help make Galt a thriving place to live, work and do business. The evening honored excellence through four award categories: Rising Star, Community Champion, Legacy Award and the Chamber’s highest recognition, Business of the Year.

All nominees were fellow Chamber members, and every member who had maintained Chamber membership for at least one year during the 2025 awards season was eligible for nomination. The large number of nominations received reflected the strength, passion and dedication of Galt’s business community and the many ways local organizations contribute to the city.

 

Chamber board members and members pictured from left are Becky Roenspie, Mari Lawerence, Nicole Gross, Nicole Castro, Erica Breland, Veronica Campos and Kirk Smith.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes a Chamber member that has been in business for five years or less and is already making a meaningful impact while demonstrating tremendous potential for future success.

Nominees included: Fell Together Photography, Giddens Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Air and Ink House Social.

The winner was Fell Together Photography. Through creativity, professionalism and a growing presence within the community, Fell Together Photography exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and promise celebrated by this award.

Community Champion Award

The Community Champion Award honors a Chamber business or nonprofit organization that serves as an unsung hero through service, generosity and meaningful community impact.

Nominees included: BackAlley Brewhouse, Galt Lions Club Foundation, Kaci Boyd Farmers Insurance, Papas & Wings, Roenspie + Johnson Real Estate Group, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Sunshine Food Pantry and Galt Teen Center.

The winner was Papas & Wings. Known for its generosity, community involvement and unwavering support of local events and organizations, Papas & Wings was recognized for making a lasting difference throughout Galt.

Legacy Award

The Legacy Award celebrates a Chamber member that has been in business for more than 10 years and continues to serve as a pillar of the community.

Nominees included: BMD, Carson’s Coatings, Galt Sign & Screen-printing Inc., Spaans Cookie Co., Rachelle Copp – State Farm Insurance and Velvet Grill and Creamery.

The winner is Carson’s Coatings. For years of dedicated service, business excellence and unwavering commitment to the Galt community, Carson’s Coatings was honored with this prestigious recognition.

 

Carson’s Coatings owners Kit Carson and Leanna Carson, center, receive the Legacy Award alongside Galt Chamber Director Kat Seabolt and outgoing Board President Kari Markel. Photos courtesy of Galt Chamber of Commerce

Business of the Year Award

The Business of the Year Award is the Chamber’s highest honor, recognizing a Chamber member business that demonstrates excellence, growth, innovation and a strong commitment to our local economy and community.

Nominees included: BackAlley Brewhouse, BMD, Carson’s Coatings, Fell Together Photography, Galt Lions Club Foundation, Galt Sign & Screen-printing Inc., Giddens Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Air, Ink House Social, Kaci Boyd Farmers Insurance, Papas & Wings, Rachelle Copp – State Farm Insurance, Roenspie + Johnson Real Estate Group, Spaans Cookie Co., St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Sunshine Food Pantry, Galt Teen Center and Velvet Grill and Creamery.

The winner was Papas & Wings. Selected from an outstanding field of nominees, Papas & Wings earned the Chamber’s highest recognition for its business excellence, continued growth, community leadership and commitment to supporting Galt. Its dedication to serving customers while consistently giving back to the community has made it a respected and valued part of the local business landscape.

 

Papas & Wings owners Heriberto Mosqueda and Maria Santoyo, center, accept the Business of the Year Award alongside Galt Chamber Director Kat Seabolt and outgoing Board President Kari Markel. 

In addition to celebrating the award nominees and recipients, the Chamber also recognized its outgoing 2025 Board president, Kari Markel, for her dedicated leadership and service. During the evening, Markel received a commemorative plaque in appreciation of her commitment to the Galt Chamber of Commerce and the local business community.   

While awards were presented to four deserving recipients, the Galt Chamber of Commerce emphasized that every nominee represents the very best of what makes Galt special. These businesses and organizations work tirelessly behind the scenes to create jobs, support community events, sponsor local programs, donate their time and resources and help to strengthen the city they proudly call home.

“The nominations themselves are a testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of our Chamber members,” said Galt Chamber of Commerce Community Relations Director Kat Seabolt. “Every nominee should be incredibly proud of this recognition. Our local businesses and nonprofits go above and beyond every day to support our community. They don’t just do business in Galt; they invest in Galt. Their commitment, generosity, and love for this community are what make our city such a special place.”

The Galt Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere congratulations to all nominees and award recipients and encourages residents to continue supporting local businesses throughout the year. Every purchase, referral and visit helps to sustain the entrepreneurs, nonprofits and community organizations that work tirelessly to make Galt a vibrant and thriving community.

Together, these Chamber members embody the spirit of Galt: hardworking, innovative, generous and deeply committed to the community they serve. The Chamber is proud to celebrate their achievements and grateful for the positive impact they continue to make throughout the city.

 

Pictured from left are SMUD Economic Development Specialist Jim Alves, SMUD Board Director Nancy Bui Thompson and Galt Chamber Director Kat Seabolt.