Community awards honor good citizens

The 2014 Chamber of Commerce Community Awards drew a large crowd to the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center Thursday evening, June 12, as the chamber and a number of other organizations recognized individuals, businesses and organizations that had rendered valuable service to the community in the last year.

Awards went to:

President's Award - The highest award given by the Chamber in recognition of outstanding service to the members of the Chamber and the citizens of Monroe, it honors an organization, business or individual making a significant and lasting contribution to the community and the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. This honoree will also serve as Grand Marshall of the 2014 Monroe Fair Days Parade: JoAnn Carbonetti.-á

Community Improvement Award - An organization or individual making substantial improvements to the Monroe community through civic contributions or by restoration or beautification projects: Lana Stephens.-á

Outstanding Customer Service Award - An organization, business or individual, demonstrating commitment to customer care and service: Dashing Dutchman.-á

Community Caring Award - An organization, business or individual demonstrating commitment to the Monroe community through service: Friends of Monroe Library.-á

Ed Utterback Revitalization Award GÇô An organization, business or individual whose support and commitment to community vitality makes a significant positive economic impact on Monroe: Evergreen Speedway.-á

Business Excellence Award - An organization, business or individual demonstrating commitment to ethical business practices, employee loyalty and well-being: Republic Services.-á

New Business of the Year Award - An organization or individual

making substantial contributions to the greater Monroe Community through business acumen and practices which enrich the community and increase quality of life: Players Music Mart.-á

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award GÇô An organization, business or individual, recognizing the effort shown to aid in the success of fellow businesses through sharing experiences and investing time in the ventures of others: Everett Community College.

Volunteer of the Year Award - Individuals demonstrating exceptional commitment and dedication to the success of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce: Jerry "Big DogGÇ¥ Dixon and Sally Petty.-á

Chamber Member of the Year Award - Chamber member demonstrating exceptional support for the Chamber and community activities; recognizing the spirit, hard work, and overall contributions to the well-being and growth of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce: Mike Buse, aka "Mr. Dizzy."-á

Monroe Arts Council Volunteer of the Year: Lise Sexton

Monroe Garden Club Perennial Club. "The Monroe Garden Club has been in existence since the early 1950s,GÇ¥ said Jeannette Susor. "Our first-ever Perennial Award went to those who have continually helped to create a more beautiful, creative, and livable Monroe by maintaining membership, attending meetings, acting as officers, serving on committees, and helping with club projects.GÇ¥

For 50+ years: Marilyn Olson and Mildred Ness

For 25+ years: Alice Hamilton, Betty Dean, Cindy Gulbranson, Ernestine Mitchell, Kathy Sutton, Linda Cline and Sandie Faugh.

The EvCC East County Campus Community/Volunteer of the Year. "This is for her years of contribution to the college and the East County Campus, serving as chair of our advisory board,GÇ¥ said campus director Rob Prosch: Nancy Truitt Pierce.

Student of the Year, in recognition of her contributions to the growth of the East County Campus: Arica Simmer.

The Monroe Public Schools Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award. Awarded to the coordinator of the Monroe Public Schools Foundation's Next Step program that mentors high school students in preparing for college: Heidi Simmons.-á

Monroe Historical Society. "...for her work organizing and coordinating National History Day in the Monroe schools,GÇ¥ said Tami Beaumont of the Monroe Historical Society:

Gail Dillaway.

Monroe Police Department Award. "The police department recognized Sgt. Rick Dunn's numerous awards received in a lifesaving event,GÇ¥ said Police Department spokesperson Deb Willis: Rick Dunn

Housing Hope 2014 Hero of Hope award. The award stated, "In recognition of your leadership in promoting and providing affordable housing for families in the Sky Valley": Tom Fahey

Sky Valley Food Bank 2014 Community Volunteer Award.

"Marilee is a Master Gardener who works tirelessly leading and teaching the volunteers who produced 4,000 pounds of produce for the food bank last year,GÇ¥ said Bill Davisson. "Our thanks to her and her helpers": Marilee Schneider.

Valley General Hospital. Honoring 25 years of cumulative service to both Valley General Hospital and VGH Foundation: Janie Botting.-á

Honoring his faithfulness and commitment to the weekly Classic Car Raffle Processing responsibilities for the last seven-plus years: Jim Plate.

East County Senior Center: Joan Gerrish.

Kiwanis Club Outstanding Kiwanian: Velma Smith.

Lion's Club: Kim Hoover.

Rotary Club of Monroe Paul Harris Award: Sally Petty and Jamie Silva.

Friends of the Monroe Public Library:Betsy Lewis.