ST. GEORGE – Several individuals and businesses were celebrated for their achievements in the community at the St. George Chamber of Commerce Starry Nights Awards and Installation Gala, held at the SunRiver Ballroom Saturday evening.
The award categories reflected outstanding achievements that have made a significant impact in the different aspects of the community throughout the year, emphasizing the Chamber of Commerce mission and its advocacy of strengthening the role of businesses in the community.
One award was presented to a couple who have given the St. George community over 40 years of hard work, built on honesty and integrity.
Ray and Melzie Ganowsky, of RAM Manufacturing, were the recipients of the Legacy of a Lifetime Award.
The award is presented to an individual, who over the course of a career, has left an indelible imprint on the business community and whose contribution transcends the effect on their company and had become a role model that inspires greatness in those whose lives they have touched, according to the Starry Night Gala booklet,
A short video was played at the event, giving attendees a depiction into the personal and professional lives of the Ganowsky’s.
The video commenced with Melzie Ganowsky explaining how their legacy of love and business began in the 11th grade when she asked Ray Ganowsky to a Sadie Hawkins dance held within the walls of their high school in Bell, California.
The high school sweethearts, now married for 60 years, said they started their company, RAM Manufacturing, in 1975 with a simple question supported by a commendable motive.
“We never really built RAM Company to think in terms of it will be an international company, sell all over the world,” Ray Ganowsky said, as included in the Gala booklet. “We really never thought of it that way. We thought, ‘what can we do to make a living to support our family and send our kids to school, just like everybody else?’ It just sort of grew.”
RAM Manufacturing is now in its 40th year of business, serving clients such as: Airbus, Boeing Aircraft, NASA and the International Space Station, the United States military and SpaceX.
When asked about the success of RAM, the couple said they associate it with one admirable trait: integrity.
“When we say we are going to do something, we do it,” Ray Ganowsky said.
The Ganowsky’s legacy not only continues on with a second and third generation filling roles at RAM, but also in the community, as their legacy inspires others to make their own unique mark on the town, making the community a better place to live.
Other awards presented at the Starry Night Gala included:
- Champion of Change – Public Servant of the Year | City of St. George Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins
- Emergence of an Entrepreneur – Entrepreneur of the Year | Cannibal Cycle
- Employee of Excellence – Employee of the Year | Tat Chan, of Habitat for Humanity
- Influence of Innovation – Innovator of the Year | Mitch Cloward, of Dixie Regional Medical Center
- Community of Compassion – Nonprofit of the Year | The Learning Center for Families
- Spirit of Dixie – Volunteer of the Year | The Exchange Club of St. George
- Business Integrity Award | Thayne Houston, of ERA Brokers Consolidate
During the event, retiring chamber board members were recognized and new officers and directors were installed by Mayor Jon Pike.
The passing of the gavel also took place between 2014 Chairman of the Board Ryan Gubler, of Platinum Mortgage, and 2015 Chairman Elect of the Board Gay Cunningham, of Dixie Regional Medical Center.
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