Newsletter from the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce

Director's Message

Each year that I have been your director one of the most gratifying events we plan is our Annual Awards Banquet. This year, with Glenn Anderson at the helm, we honored some truly worthy individuals that you were able to nominate as to their outstanding efforts in 2009. This year's event was held at Kiana Lodge with twinkling lights and sparkly dresses. Glenn introduced his Mother and Father mentioning that his father, Dale, was one of the first Presidents of our Chamber.

We began the evening by installing our new Board of Directors, and thanking special individuals who helped make this year's event a success. This year, Farmers Insurance, sponsored the event and each award was sponsored as well. Thank you to all of the sponsors and chamber members and family members who were able to attend. We also appreciated having Miss Viking Fest, Miss Poulsbo, Miss Kitsap and Miss Silverdale on hand to help with the awards ceremony.

Community Builder Awards were given to Charlie DeWilde for spearheading the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce Music Festival in 2008 and 2009. The award was sponsored and presented by Lynanne White of American Rose Bridal. The second Community Builder award was given to Donna Strep as she is committed to the betterment of growth everywhere in our community. The award was presented by her good friend Donna Etchey from the North Kitsap Herald.

This year's Beautification Award went to Bill Austin for his Renovation of the Landmark Building. Glenn Anderson, Donna Strep, Todd Tidball and Pat McFadden all presented the award from Edward Jones.

For the first time we honored an Ambassador of the Year, Allison Morrison from Land Title. Allison was selected because of her dedication to promoting the chamber, providing assistance at Chamber events, identifying and recruiting new members and welcoming members and guests to chamber events. This award was presented by Mary West from The Snow Group, and president of the Ambassadors in 2009.

Organizations of the Year went to Poulsbo Noon Lions Club for their accomplishments at Fish Park, and the many youth groups they sponsor. Mike Regis and Carl Osteller accepted the award which was presented by Robert Doane of Acupuncture and Wellness Center. The second award went to Fishline for their abilities to serve the community with a full-scale food bank, overnight accommodations and transportation assistance. This award was presented to their Executive Director Karen Timken by sponsors Debbie and Mark Nazarino from Video ME Productions.

The Pearce Dressel Volunteer of the Year Award went to Carly Michelson for her tireless work in making the Poulsbo Street Dance happen in 2009 (as well as 2008). Tammy Mattson and Rob deFillipo from Tizley's Europub were excited to present this award and have Carly win since they we also part of the Street Dance.

Last, but not least, the Person of the Year Award, sponsored and presented by Stacie Pike was given to Kathi Forsee. Kathi Forsee is the heart and soul of Viking Fest and has worked closely with the city, chamber and other entities to make Viking Fest a success for the last 13 years. In 2009 she also asked other Viking Fest board members to assist in making the Poulsbo 3rd of July Fireworks happen! It did and we are pleased to honor Kathi with this award.

Photo Courtesy of
Victoria's Photography

Again let me say what a pleasure it is to be able to be a part of this yearly awards ceremony

Adele Heinrich, Executive Director