Annual Champions of Freedom Awards

Together is Better!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mindi Anderson

November 4, 2024 (208) 917-9977 mindi@idahoveterans.org

Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce Announces Nominees for 2024 Champions of Freedom Awards

One recipient in each category to be honored at the upcoming awards ceremony.

Meridian, Idaho – November 4, 2024 - The Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for the 2024 Champions of Freedom Awards. This prestigious event celebrates the dedication and impact of community partners, businesses, and individuals who have significantly contributed to supporting Idaho’s veterans and their families. This year’s Champions of Freedom Awards Ceremony will honor one outstanding recipient in each category from the nominees listed below.

“These awards reflect the unity and strength within our community, highlighting individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to support our veterans,” said Dr. Mindi Anderson, Executive Director/President & Founder of the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to honoring these remarkable contributors and patriots who empower Idaho’s military community and highlighting our Veterans, along with their families in Idaho.”

The 2024 Champions of Freedom Award Nominees:

Housing Partner of the Year
- West Ada CTE and Idaho Associated General Contractors
  Recognizing exceptional commitment to providing veterans with housing support and solutions, home repairs, and resources.
Education Partner of the Year
- Idaho State University and Idaho Army National Guard
  Honoring those who advance educational opportunities for veterans and their families.
Workforce Partner of the Year
- Micron and Idaho Department of Labor
  Celebrating partnerships that create career pathways for veterans in the workforce.
Entrepreneur Partner of the Year
- Idaho Small Business Development Center and Idaho APEX
  Acknowledging support for veteran entrepreneurs who are shaping Idaho’s business landscape.
Family and Wellness Partner of the Year
- Operation Grateful Hearts and Amazon
  Highlighting organizations that prioritize the wellness and resilience of veterans and their families.
Ambassador of the Year
- John Schied, Next Home Treasure Valley and Darci Feigel, Army Veteran
  Recognizing individuals who passionately advocate for veterans and their needs.
Employer Network Member of the Year
- INL and Idaho Power
  Celebrating employers who create veteran and family-friendly workplaces and career opportunities.
Veteran Business Owner of the Year
- Metro Express Carwash and Eric Stephenson, Fireside Pine
  Honoring successful veteran-owned businesses that exemplify entrepreneurial spirit.
Spouse Business Owner of the Year
- Pamela Ellsworth, Eagle HR Consulting and Jodi Severson, Primerica Financial Coach
  Recognizing the resilience and success of a business owner who is the spouse of a veteran.
Supporter of the Year
- Caffeina and Idaho Power
  Highlighting unwavering support for initiatives that empower and uplift Idaho’s veterans.
Veteran Resource Organization of the Year
- Legacy Corp and VAREP
  Honoring organizations that connect veterans with critical resources and services.
Executive Director’s Award
- To be announced at the event, this special recognition is awarded to an individual or organization demonstrating unparalleled support and dedication to the mission of the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

Each nominee represents a deep commitment to Idaho’s veteran community, and winners will be unveiled at the Champions of Freedom Awards Ceremony. This event promises to be a night of inspiration and celebration, honoring the achievements of those who champion Idaho’s heroes.

Join Us as we celebrate the Idaho Veterans and community at our upcoming Champions of Freedom! We will be honoring our dedicated members and community partners who have gone above and beyond to support the Veterans Chamber in 2024 and learn more as we share our mission plans leading into 2025.

Our hope is that all in attendance will learn more about our mission, and the impact we have had on the communities across Idaho and better understand the way we truly bridge the gaps between the Idaho and Military Communities through our Community Navigation Services in Housing, Education, Entrepreneur, Workforce, Family, and Wellness.

We will also be showing appreciation our sponsors, employers, agencies, and ambassadors who have provided tremendous support to our organization over the last several years. We look forward to you joining us as we further our mission to collaborate, connect, and build stronger unity across Idaho leaving no military member or their families behind.

Evening of Events
5:30 - 6:15 Networking/Cocktail Hour
6:15 Seating/Posting of the colors/National Anthem
- Dinner
- Impact Stories & Testimonials and Sponsorship/Grantor Recognition
- Idaho Veterans Chamber Annual Report Sneak Peak Highlights for 2024 & 2025 Goals
- National Veterans Small Business Week - Distinguished Visitor Remarks, SBA Region 10 Administrator
- Idaho Veteran and Spouse Small Business Week Proclamation
- Awards Announcements of 2024 Recipients - Announced and awarded by 2023 Recipients

You don't want to miss the last event of the year where we will unite as one network and honor so many who have made a difference, creating unity and strength across The State of Idaho. We welcome anyone to join us!

Beto Yarce was appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Region X in January 2024. In this role, he oversees U.S. SBA programs, offices and operations in the Pacific Northwest serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington’s 1.3 million small businesses.

Originally from Mexico, Yarce moved to Seattle, Wash., in 2003 where he launched a business and immersed himself in the local business and immigrant communities. He went on to first join then lead Ventures, a nonprofit organization working to alleviate poverty through small business ownership.

Yarce has leveraged his 20 years of experience to help others realize their dreams of small business ownership as well as advancing economic equity and justice. He has served on the boards of directors and as a trustee of numerous organizations. Yarce has also received accolades from a variety of organizations for his leadership in economic opportunity and development, particularly for people of color and in under-resourced communities. Awards include the District Excellence Award from the SBA’s Seattle District Office, Puget Sound Business Journal Business of Pride Award, City of Seattle Emerging Leader of the Year and the Crosscut Courage in Business award.

We Welcome Mr. Yarce To Idaho! Thank you for choosing to visit the Gem State of Idaho during National Veteran Small Business Week.

Becoming a sponsor for the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce Freedom Awards offers a unique opportunity to support Idaho’s veteran and military community while elevating your brand’s visibility within the community. Your sponsorship will help fund the event and ensure the continued success of initiatives that support veterans, service members, and their families to further connect with the Idaho Community. By becoming an Event Sponsor, you are leading the charge in supporting Idaho veterans and their families. Your contribution helps sustain vital veteran programs and services, while providing your organization with a highly visible platform to show your commitment to the community.

Why Sponsor the Freedom Awards?

Sponsoring the Freedom Awards allows your organization to demonstrate leadership and commitment to Idaho’s veteran and military community. Your support not only helps fund this prestigious event but also sustains year-round initiatives that provide veterans with the resources and tools they need to succeed. Each sponsorship level offers unique visibility and networking opportunities that will leave a lasting impression on both the veteran community and the public.

Why Attend the Freedom Awards?

Attending the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce Freedom Awards is more than just a ticket to a prestigious event—it’s an opportunity to engage with a powerful community of leaders, veterans, and supporters who are making a real difference in the lives of Idaho’s military members and their families. Here’s why you should attend:

1. Celebrate Heroes in Our Community

The Freedom Awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in serving Idaho’s veteran and military community. By attending, you have the chance to honor these heroes and show your appreciation for their service and dedication.

2. Connect with Community and Business Leaders

This event brings together top leaders from Idaho’s business, nonprofit, and public sectors who share a passion for supporting veterans. It’s an excellent networking opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference.

3. Make a Tangible Impact

Your presence at the Freedom Awards directly contributes to the success of veteran services and programs in Idaho. The funds raised help sustain initiatives that provide job placement, financial literacy, mental health support, and more to veterans and their families.

4. Experience a Memorable Evening

From the inspiring stories of our award winners to the opportunity to enjoy a premium dinner and entertainment, the Freedom Awards offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to celebrate, reflect, and be inspired by the incredible contributions of our veterans and community partners.

5. Support Local Veterans

Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship plays a crucial role in supporting Idaho veterans as they transition into civilian life. Whether through job training, housing assistance, or mental health resources, your attendance helps ensure that our veterans receive the care and services they deserve.

Each Year Idaho Governor Brad Little provides a proclamation declaring Idaho Veteran and Spouse Small Business Week!

This year we will recognize and support our Veteran and Small Businesses from November 11th - 17th, 2024

We hope that more cities across Idaho will adopt this proclamation and support buying from Veterans and Spouses during this week and in the future consider supporting local small businesses.

👍This year's proclamation will be read at the Champion of Freedom Awards Dinner.

Thank you to the Mayor of Meridian for providing and reading your proclamation for the City of Meridian during our 2023 event.

Join us For The Champions of Freedom Awards: Honoring Veterans, Families & Community Partners!

We are Honored to Announce our 2024 Distinguished Visitor Joining Us!

Thank You to Our Sponsors for our 2024 Annual Awards!

Table Sponsors

Why Sponsor the Freedom Awards?

Why Attend the Freedom Awards?

1. Celebrate Heroes in Our Community

2. Connect with Community and Business Leaders

3. Make a Tangible Impact

4. Experience a Memorable Evening

5. Support Local Veterans

Individual Tickets – $50

Each Year Idaho Governor Brad Little provides a proclamation declaring Idaho Veteran and Spouse Small Business Week!

The Freedom Awards honor excellence across various categories that reflect the diverse ways individuals and organizations support Idaho’s veteran and family community.

We will honor service to our country, leadership, innovation, and commitment.

Meet our 2023 Award Recipients

Thank you to our Annual Grant, Donors, and Sponsorship Partners!