The 2018 Employee of the Year award went to Alex Garcia of Columbia Bank.
The 2018 Business of the Year award went to Steve Luckman (left) of Luckman’s Coffee.
The 2018 Citizen of the Year Award went to Michann Bond.
The Woodland Chamber of Commerce at the end of January recognized individuals and businesses who are making an impact in the city. The awards were announced at the chamber’s annual banquet held at Heathman Lodge in Vancouver.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Melinda Pallotta, who owns and operates Love Street Playhouse with her husband.
JJ Burke, Director of the Woodland Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, honored the three employees who run the visitors center: Juanita L MacMahon, Veronica Studt, and Sue Ream. The employees turned right back around and honored Mr. Burke in return, dubbing him “Boss of the Year.”
Chris Bailey, President of Lower Columbia College, spoke at the end of the event.
“(Bailey) provided attendees with a very heartening speech about the power of a community that decides how it wants to grow and the very powerful goals it can achieve with a definitive purpose, referencing the Chehalis Foundation and the rippling effects one endowment has had on the Community,” the chamber wrote in an announcement of winners.
Attendees also honored Woodland staple Nate Chumley, who passed away late last year. Chumley was a longtime member of the chamber and owned America’s Family Diner.
