Chamber recognizes Ephrata community

New president, business and citizen of the year named

EPHRATA - The new Ephrata Chamber of Commerce president was announced along with the business and citizen of the year at the chamber banquet Saturday at the American Legion building.

Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Dahl read a statement from past chamber President Rita Witte to kick of the event. She was unable to attend.

Witte was president of the chamber for two years. Serving the board was an exciting experience for her, she wrote. Witte noted two auctions were successful and relocating the chamber building to a better spot was a step forward.

"I have had the privilege to work with an awesome group of board members," she wrote.

Susan Scheib was introduced as the new chamber president.

"I think we'll have a really good time this year," she said.

Her fondest memories of serving the board of directors included helping with the Basin Summer Sounds event.

Jeannien Bourke of Nature's Reflections was given the business of the year award for 2007.

She was weepy-eyed as she accepted the award.

The store began as a closet shop and grew into a larger building in central Ephrata, Dahl said.

Bourke received the award because she goes out of her way to accommodate her customers' needs.

"This kindness doesn't go unnoticed," she said.

Dahl said the business is becoming a one stop shop for weddings.

Janice Moore was named citizen of the year for 2007.

"This is totally unexpected," she said.

Moore said she felt overwhelmed because the award has gone to incredible people in the past.

"None of this happens without tons of support," she said.

Moore volunteered close to 20 years of service to Ephrata, Dahl said. She worked with the Columbia Ridge Elementary Parent Teacher Association, the Miss Ephrata program, served the chamber and helped to obtain millions of dollars in grant money to repair roadways in Ephrata.

The chamber created a new tradition of a traveling trophy for the best table set up at the banquet.

Each table was decorated by an Ephrata business and featured gifts and centerpieces.

The idea of the traveling trophy was created the day of the event so Dahl improvised.

She offered up her 1986 first place softball trophy she found in her garage as a substitute until a real trophy can be provided.

"I know it's not much, but it travels well, Dahl laughed.

Nature's Reflections took home the award.

Dahl was presented the final award by volunteers who work with the chamber. She was also presented with a potted plant for her service with the chamber.

Guest speaker and Secretary-Treasurer Association of Visitor Information Centers of Washington Kathy Hogan gave advice to Ephrata to attract tourists.

She said Ephrata has the advantage of being a gateway to several tourism spots including Grand Coulee Dam. There is an opportunity to get people to spend money in Ephrata while on their way to other destinations.

Hogan said businesses should get a hook to draw people in and signage is important to let people know where the businesses and attractions are located.

She advised people should be treated nicely at businesses to keep them coming.

Hogan said citizens are some of them best assets because they can tell tourists where the best places are in Ephrata.

The chamber celebrated its 83rd year hosting the banquet.