For the first time in many years, guests at the annual Chamber
of Commerce Showcase Award Dinner will have enough elbow room.
For the first time in many years, guests at the annual Chamber of Commerce Showcase Award Dinner will have enough elbow room.
This year, more than 200 friends, family and chamber supporters will gather at the new community center to watch seven people who make a difference in their community get richly deserved awards.
“We are very excited about being at the community center,” said Sunday Minnich, chamber executive director said. “This will allow us to accommodate as many people as want to come.”
Minnich will also install the 2003 chamber board of directors, headed by hotel owner Ramona Etchebarne.
Winners in the seven categories will be introduced by a speaker each has chosen. If past performances are any gauge, the winners will be proud, touched and, often, embarrassed by the things said of them. Then they get to reciprocate with their own point of view.
The Man of the Year is veterinarian John Quick, honored for his years of work with WERC, the Wildlife Education Rehabilitation Center.
Margaret Johnston is the Woman of the Year, finally receiving acclaim for organizing and directing the crew responsible for keeping downtown brick flower beds looking bright and cheerful – and for picking up a trowel herself.
Big Business of the Year is Anritsu Corp., a company that believes in sharing its wealth by supporting programs in education, community, social and human services, arts and the environment. It was especially noted for encouraging employees to get involved.
BookSmart was designated Small Business of the Year. Not only do Brad Jones and Cinda Meister successfully run one of the last independent bookstores in the Bay Area, they contribute to the community, supporting schools and education while spreading the joy of reading.
Anna Friebel, retiring math teacher from Britton Middle School, will hear why she was chosen Teacher of the Year. She is known as an independent thinker, an inspiring teacher and, according to several co-workers and acquaintances, a person impossible to dislike.
Jennifer Moody, senior at Live Oak High School, saxophonist and student representative to the school board, among her other endeavors, will take a bow as Student of the Year.
And finally, Garrie Bryant was named Chamber Volunteer of the Year, only the second time this award was given. Bryant is the volunteer backbone in most chamber events, always there, always helping.
