Your Hometown News Source
Your Hometown News Source
Bette Lou Crothers was named Citizen of the Year, an apt reflection of someone who "embodies the definition of what Dayton is, can and should be. A Place to live, work, love, grow and prosper," nominations indicated.
Trista Villaro was honored as Youth Citizen of the Year. Board member Bette Lou Crothers presented Villaro the plaque.
Puget Sound Energy was the 2022 Business of the Year, presented by Board member Scott Hudson, to local PSE personnel, from left, Emmalee Davis, Fred White, Joanie Hudson, Anne Walsh and Ryan Severe.
Jennie Dickinson, Executive Director, Port of Columbia, was presented Employee of the Year by Shawn Brown, Chamber Board member.
A new category in 2022 is Non-Profit of the Year, presented to The Club and accepted by Jim Pearson, Executive Director, from Beverly Rising.
Paige Aukerman accepted the honor as Start-Up Business of the Year from Boe Stevenson.
DAYTON–The Chamber of Commerce named Bette Lou Crothers "Citizen of the Year" at its annual Community Choice Awards Banquet last week, which recognizes individuals and firms in the community for their contributions to Dayton's quality of life.
This year, two categories were added to include Start-Up Business, meaning a business could be nominated that is less than three years old, and Non-Profit of the Year.
The Start-up Business of the Year is Paige's Floral & Gifts, and the Non-Profit of the Year was presented to The Club.
Paige's Floral & Gifts was described by nominators as "accommodating, loving, service, community, dedication, giving...This business has gone above and beyond expectations. They make people who are suffering, feel loved and understood during one of the worst points in their lives and bring brilliant smiles to others who may be experiencing the most joyous of occasions."
The Club keeps our children safe, supervised, busy and happy, nominations indicated. It is a place where children can gather, socialize and learn in an environment that promotes self-discovery, social and emotional learning, personal responsibility, and builds positive relationships with peers and adults. Everything at The Club is focused on the kids and their best interests.
Employee of the Year was presented to Jennie Dickinson, Executive Director of the Port of Columbia. Dickinson was chosen for her dedication to community, to economic development, to improving the community's quality of life. Some of the adjectives taken from the nomination forms include, "devoted, works tirelessly, deserving, passionate, energetic, loyal, commitment" or maybe that should read "committed," as Dickinson strives to move the community forward while sometimes facing obstacles that others are unable to overcome. Volunteerism was another word to describe her as she volunteers in our community with the Dayton Task Force, Historical Depot Society, All Wheels Weekend, Blue Mountain Station, her church and so many other organizations.
Puget Sound Energy was honored by nominees as Business of the Year. PSE began a movement in Columbia County that brought others to live and work in our community which meant more jobs and more opportunities for others to follow, nominations said. This company brings in taxes that total over $4 million annually that helps fund local services including the fire department, schools, library, hospital and county roads. Over 17 years in Dayton, they have provided their employees work time to volunteer to support Dayton and Columbia County community organizations such as the Dayton Task Force, Chamber of Commerce, School Board, Volunteer Fire Department, Food Bank, Blue Mountain Heritage Society, Relay for Life....so many organizations but not enough room to name them all.
Trista Villaro was recognized as the Youth Citizen of the Year. Villaro, a Dayton High Senior, is always willing to help out and volunteers her time for community members and events around Dayton, nominations stated. She writes the "What's New at School" column for the Chronicle. She is the daughter of Eric and Jennifer Villaro.
A selection committee, made up of Chamber Board and community members, determine the winners.
