Chamber of Commerce Community Choice Awards

DAYTON–The coronavirus affected nearly all aspects of community life here and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet, in which exemplary local individuals and businesses are honored for their contributions, was not immune. In lieu of presenting awards at its annual banquet, the Dayton Chamber elicited nominations and named the 2020 Community Choice Awards Wednesday, March 3.

Denise Hoon was chosen as Citizen of the Year. Denise is a dedicated community volunteer who gives of her time to many local organizations including Skyline Juniors, Lions Club, Touchet Valley Golf Course, Dayton Historical Depot Society, First Congregational Church and the Dayton School Support Committee.

Hoon's efforts help keep Dayton looking its best as she may be seen volunteering her time cleaning and sprucing up the grounds at the church, depot and golf course. She does all this while frequently traveling out of town to help with family. Although she's retired from the Dayton School District, she spent 2020 working as a substitute teacher.

The 2020 Employee of the Year is Martha Lanman, administrator of both the Columbia County Public Health Department and Garfield County Health District. Lanman has been instrumental in protecting both communities during the pandemic.

She has worked to provide information, education and other needed materials to help keep citizens informed and safe.

"Martha is without question, an incredibly bright, savvy, multi-tasker who willingly set aside her own down time and free time to focus on creating a positive outcome for our county and for our neighbors in Garfield County," wrote one nominator

Lanman is also a powerful advocate for community health, not just with COVID-19 but with ongoing education for youth and teens for prevention of smoking and drug use. In addition to her role as administrator for public health, she serves on multiple boards, including the Blue Mountain Station Co-op Market, the Columbia County Community Network and the Friends of the Dayton Community Center/Pool.

Chief Springs Fire and Irons Brew Pub and Pizzeria was selected as Business of the Year. Owners Ann and Mike Spring persevered through uncounted challenges, going above and beyond this year to serve the public.

Not only did they cope with all the COVID-19 regulations, but a fire destroyed their pizza ovens. Undaunted, they remained open and continued to provide employment to many people, all with smiles on their faces.

They expanded the patio with a vintage fire truck and propane heaters, provided masks for customers who didn't have them and supported the few local events that could be held in 2020.

Both Mike and Ann give back to community. Mike serves as a fire commissioner for Columbia County Fire District No. 3 and Ann is a member of the Dayton Development Task Force.

Mackena Culley, a leader in the Dayton High School Associated Student Body for the last two years, is the 2020 Youth of the Year. Makenna served as A.S.B. vice president last year and president this year, involved in planning many activities for her fellow students.

"She has brought enthusiasm, commitment, her love of Dayton and her vision to reenergize the student body at DHS," noted her nomination form. "It's during the unusual circumstances of 2020 where her leadership and character has really shown through."

Examples of her leadership include sending postcard hellos to every student during the shutdown last spring, reinvigorating morning announcements with humor to build school community, creating video announcements during distance learning for teachers to share during first period and virtually hosting student council meetings.