Local individuals, businesses and organizations recognized at Chamber of Commerce dinner

It was a night to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations in the communty at the Weiser Chamber of Commerce’s annual community awards banquet on Oct. 15 at the Vendome Events Center.

 The winners in the eight categories were selected by votes from members of the community at large following a round of nominations.

 The annual Chamber dinner featured, as it does every year, decorated tables by businesses and organizations in the community. This year’s theme was “Business and Industries in Idaho.” 

 Chamber board president Patti Matthews opened the evening by giving the newest board member an award for her willingness to step up to take the position after it became open.

 The Community Organization of the Year award went to the Four County Art Guild. The organization was represented by members Charlotte Hirata and Merle Boles. They noted all the programs that the art guild supports in its mission to promote the visual arts, including the art tour and programs in the schools.

 “We want to thank you all for your support,” Boles said.

 The Student Organization of the Year was presented to Weiser High School’s FFA. Accepting the award was recently retired FFA adviser Stuart Nesbitt. He was joined by the new ag teacher and FFA adviser Amanda Cheney and student leaders of the club. 

 “This award is really about students, past and present. They deserve this award,” Nesbitt said.

 Ruszoni’s Pizza took the award for Business of the Year. Nick Reed accepted the award and thanked many in the commuity for the success of the business and for making Weiser a great place to live.

 The Outstanding Citizen Award went to former teacher Sandy Michael, who is a member of the art guild and much more. Michael moved to Weiser in 1979 to begin a 30-year teaching career in the Weiser School District.

 The Educator of the Year award went to Wendy Martell, who has been an educator for many years and currently teaches art at the Weiser Middle School.

 The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Terry Mooney, who has a lengthy resume as an educator, coach and athletic director in the Weiser School District. Mooney worked for four decades in the Weiser School District and was inducted into the Idaho High School Activities Association Hall of Fame in August. 

 The Community Enhancement Award went to Joe Malay, who has worked tirelessly to promote youth golf and was a founding member of the Idaho Youth Golf Association. Malay is also the founder of the Ho Ho Express, which takes kids shopping every December. The Express has raised $250,000 for area youth since it started.

 The Mayor’s Award went to Sarah Imada, general manager of the Weiser Signal American. Imada, along with Keith Bryant and members of her family, who took on the VIBE downtown flower project this summer. 

 Mayor Diana Thomas said it was difficult with so many deserving people in the community to narrow it down to one. Imada stepped up when she saw a need to keep the flower baskets going and the downtown beautification effort was a success. 

 “I’m really pleased that the Chamber has made this an annual award,” Thomas said.

 Next year’s Chamber of Commerce awards dinner will have the theme, “Vacations around the World.”