Council Chamber of Commerce Presents Community Awards
The Chamber of Commerce People of the Year 2025 votes have been tallied and the results are in! These people and organizations were presented with their awards at the annual Chamber Banquet on February 21. The Banquet took place at the Rec Center and was a great evening full of delicious food, catered by S&A BBQ, and celebration for the local businesses and amazing community members that make up Council. All the proceeds from the banquet go to support the 4th of July Fireworks display. Congratulations to the following Council People of the Year!
Woman of the Year- Chloe Lucas.
Chloe Lucas grew up in Council and stayed to put down roots. She lives with her husband, Marcus, and their four children. Chloe is active and involved in many different community organizations and for many years, Chloe was a teacher at Council High School. Last year, she decided to serve in a different capacity and ran for School Board Trustee, a choice that was received with overwhelming support by the community and Chloe won the election with over 70% of the vote. Congratulations to Woman of the Year, Chloe Lucas!
Man of the Year- Owen Ivey.
Owen Ivey grew up in Council and graduated from Council High School as Co-Salutatorian. He went to Treasure Valley Community College and earned his Associates Degree before coming back to Council to raise his family. Owen and his wife train performance horses and he is also very involved in the Republican Central Committee. After coming back to Council, Owen started working at the school and decided to continue his education and become a teacher. Currently he is teaching Jr. High. He loves teaching and is setting a great example for young people. Congratulations to Man of the Year, Owen Ivey!
First Responder of the Year- Lita Martinez.
Lita Martinez grew up in Caldwell but every year her family would come to Council to go camping. So, with a deep love already established for this area, she moved to Council permanently three years ago. Lita works as a Dental Assistant for Adams County Health Center. Last year, Lita completed the EMT Class at Council Valley Ambulance after being pushed to do so by friends, and found she loved helping people in that capacity. She has been a driver on the Ambulance while getting ready to take the National Registry Exam, and treats each patient like they were her own family in the ambulance. Congratulations First Responder of the Year, Lita Martinez!
Educator of the Year- Tyler Power.
Tyler Power graduated from Council High School before enlisting in the army as an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Tech where we served for ten years. Four years ago he returned to Council with his family. Shortly after, he decided to become a history teacher because he wanted to give back to the same community that helped raise him, however his goal was to be an AG Teacher, and last fall that goal was realized. He has been a fantastic mentor for the students and with the help of his own mentor, Ron Corbett, has helped to build up the AG program with a grant for an Augmented Arc Welder for the students to practice on and a handheld welder for outreach. Congratulations to Educator of the Year Tyler Power!
Non Profit of the Year- The Friends of the Library.
The Friends of the Library was re-established in 2023 and has become active in the community. They work hard to provide funding for Libby, the free online subscription service that allows library patrons to access ebooks and more. Last year, they hosted multiple fundraisers that helped replace windows at the library and install new ADA accessible doors. They also help support the Council Elementary and High School Library, and have big plans for the next year to improve the community space at the library. Congratulations to the Non Profit of the Year, The Friends of the Library!
Business of the Year- Jim Hileman Trucking.
Jim Hileman grew up in Council and started a family and business here. Jim Hileman Trucking started out as an excavation company and is now a full logging company that regularly employs multiple residents and is a big donor to many local events. Jim Hileman plays an integral part of the annual Lumberjack Days at the school. Congratulations to Business of the Year, Jim Hileman Trucking!
Thank you to all of these amazing people and organizations who help to enrich our community! Thank you to the Council Chamber of Commerce and especially to Chamber President Katie Church for organizing and hosting these awards and all of the events that the Chamber put on throughout the year!
