Community members, businesses honored at annual chamber banquet
Beau Biggs photo
Chriss Stutzman, right, and his wife Laurie accept the Polson Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award at the chamber’s annual banquet.
Beau Biggs photo
Bonnie Peterson, center, accepts Polson School District’s 2023 Certified Employee of the Year Award at the annual Polson Chamber of Commerce Community Awards banquet.
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POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce recognized “amazing people in our community” during the annual community awards banquet on Saturday at the KwaTaqNuk Resort.
Joslyn Shackelford, vice president of the Polson Chamber of Commerce, said so many people attended this year’s event that they ran out of seating.
“We worked through it and got as many people seated as we could,” she said.
Dennis Anderson of Anderson Broadcasting said: “This is a great event, and it’s a great way to get to see everyone in the community and to appreciate people in the community who aren’t looking for the thanks but definitely deserve it.”
Many awards were handed out during the event including the Business of The Year award for growth through revenue and creation of jobs, innovative products and services and demonstrating economic support of the Polson area business community. The nominees were Stutzman’s Amish Furniture and Home Floor Covering & Polson Stone and Tile Inc.
Chriss Stutzman, owner of Stutzman’s Amish Furniture, said: “It’s humbling to be nominated for the award since there are many worthy businesses.”
Award winners were a mystery to the audience right up until their names were announced. “The community gets to choose who they nominate for these awards, and anyone can be nominated,” Shackelford said.
Before the winners were announced, participants enjoyed dinner and socializing.
Business of the Year award went to Stutzman’s Furniture. Chriss Stutzman went to the stage with his wife and said: “Winning this award was very humbling, and we appreciate the community support, and we appreciate everyone that took a chance on our business when we first started out.”
The Nonprofit Organization of the Year was awarded for showing effective fundraising efforts, resource development and exemplary community support. The award went to the North Lake County Library with Abbi Dooley coming up to accept the award. She said: “I want to thank everyone in this room for making our renovations possible and for the community support.”
The Polson Leadership Award went to Polson Police Chief George Simpson for his focus on community safety. “I want to thank everyone who supports the police force,” he said. “I know last year was a crazy year all across the country for police, so I want to thank everyone for supporting us and helping make Polson better.”
Volunteer of the Year went to Scott Heinz from the Mission Valley Christian Academy. Chamber Ambassador of the Year was awarded to Pauline Baran.
The Polson School District Award went to both Tammy Kelley and Barb Scott. Kelley said: “It is a privilege, and I’m thankful for our community.”
The City of Polson Staff of the Year Award was given to Rob Edington who serves as Polson’s community development director.
