Chambers set schedules

■ The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce’s annual community awards celebration is at noon today at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex. RSVP to 262-9814. Chamber members receive two complimentary tickets; additional tickets are $20.

■ The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon Jan. 20 at Froso’s Restaurant in Soldotna. An Emergency Management update is planned. RSVP to 262-9814.

■ The Kenai Chamber of Commerce next meets at noon Jan. 21 at the Kenai Visitors Center. RSVP to 283-1991.

Clarion press operator, carrier recognized

The Peninsula Clarion recently recognized one of its press operators and one of its carriers for their efforts.

Eric Trevino, a press operator at the Clarion since 2010, recently was given the Fred Anglebrandt Extra Mile Award, periodically given to an employee who best exemplifies going above and beyond their duties. Trevino was recognized for always doing more than is expected of him, and for his outstanding team attitude.

Jim Nelson was recognized as an outstanding carrier for the Clarion. Nelson delivers papers in the Kasilof area and has not missed a day in 12 years as a contractor for the Clarion. Nelson makes the circulation department’s work easier because of his consistency, accuracy and his attitude.

If there is a Clarion employee or contractor who you would like to recognize for going above and beyond their duties, stop by the office at 150 Trading Bay Road, Suite 1, in Kenai, or call 907-283-7551.

Builders to hold membership meeting

The Kenai Peninsula Builders Association will be holding their January membership meeting on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Mykel’s Restaurant. Guest speaker will be Rick Roeske, Executive Director of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District. Guests are welcome to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please call 283-8071.

AK-CESCL storm water training program offered

The Kenai Watershed Forum is sponsoring two Alaska certified erosion and sediment control lead training sessions Feb. 9-10 in Soldotna. This training explains the erosion process and how to obtain and comply with the EPA NPDES Construction General Permit. The course will describe the key elements of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and stormwater Best Management Practices. This is a requirement for people who work on Alaska DOT roads. Other people who may need this certification include commercial and residential builders, project engineers, natural resource managers and anyone responsible for creating, maintaining or evaluating a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.

Caribou Family Restaurant 2 receives award

Caribou Family Restaurant 2 has been selected for the 2014 Best of Soldotna Award in the Family Restaurants category by the Soldotna Award Program.

Each year, the Soldotna Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Soldotna area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2014 Soldotna Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Soldotna Award Program and data provided by third parties.

Farm business workshops slated

Kenai Soil & Water Conservation District invites current and prospective farm business owners to attend one of three educational workshops entitled “Flowers, Fruit & Vegetables: Profitable Opportunities in Alaska.” Presenters Jeff Tranel and John Hewlett of RightRisk, LLC (Colorado) will teach participants how to assess and manage the unique risks of farm businesses with crop insurance, good records and other risk management tools; how to calculate annual profits and long-term return on investment; and how to manage farm income taxes. Sessions are Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at Homer Public Library and Jan. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m., at Kenai Community Library. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. To register for Kenai Peninsula locations, contact Heidi Chay at 283-8732 ext. 5 or kenaiswcd@gmail.com.

Applications due for Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards Program

Applications are due by Feb. 2, 2015 for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards Program. There are many businesses here on the Kenai Peninsula that could qualify for this award, so submit your application. There is a great chance to win $10,000 to help you with your business in 2015.

The Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club, celebrates the success of small business and honors its contributions to America’s economic growth. This is a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize and gain national recognition for your business! Are you a small business owner with a unique story to tell? If so, then we want to hear from you! The winner, and the 7 regional finalists, and 100 Blue Ribbon winners will be acknowledged on June 9 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C.

Eligible small businesses can apply by completing the application form, found at https://www.uschamber.com/americas-small-business-summit-2015/dream-big-award.

The application fee is $25 for U.S. Chamber of Commerce members and $150 for non-members. The $150 fee includes a one-year Small Business Alley Level Membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Business announcements may be submitted to news@peninsulaclarion.com.