Moses Lake chamber honors ag contributors

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce recently recognized a new group of individuals for their contributions to the area's agricultural industry.

They inducted six more people into the Moses Lake Area Agriculture Hall of Fame during their annual banquet last week: Larry and Tom Ellestad, of Vern's Meats; Basin Feed's Kirk Sidwell and the late Dan Toya, Frank Shinn and Kenneth Gibson.

The Ag Hall of Fame was formed in 2010. Farmers, growers, ranchers and owners or employees of agribusiness firms are all eligible for nomination as either individuals or families.

Craig and Bonnie Schafer and David Sparks were inducted during last year's banquet.

The Ellestads were recognized not only for continuing the operation of their family business, but for supporting their community as well, said Craig Schafer, who presented their award.

"The community has been great to them and thus they have given back to the community," said Schafer.

The Ellestads have been strong supporters of the Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center and the youth and livestock sale at the fair each year, he said.

Sidwell, who opened Basin Feed in 1981, has also been supportive of youth over the years.

"He gives the 4-H and FFA youth discounts on purchases and supports them at the livestock auctions by bidding and purchasing some of their market animals," said Schafer. "He provides many learning opportunities for the community on pet and livestock issues, most of which are free of charge."

Sidwell is also involved with youth baseball as a parent and coach, he said.

The chamber also presented plaques to the families of Toya, Shinn and Gibson.

Toya moved to Moses Lake in the mid 1950s and worked alongside his parents and siblings on the family farm. They were known for growing melons, potatoes, sweet corn and berries, among other crops.

Toya went to work for Brotherton Seed in 1988, where he remained until his death. The chamber noted his active involvement in the community. He was instrumental in founding the Moses Lake Farmer's Market for example.

Shinn, a former Grant County port commissioner, died earlier this year. He is credited with starting Moses Lake's first irrigation business in 1954.

Shinn was also an active member of the chamber and the Columbia Basin Development League. He also served a term on the first Grant County Water Conservancy Board.

Gibson moved to Moses Lake in 1960, when he purchased a 100-acre hay farm. In 1969, he started managing a 1,200-acre hay farm on the Frenchman Hills on the Royal Slope.

Gibson later operated his own hay farm on 600 acres on the west end of the Royal Slope.

The chamber also presented this year's President's Award during the banquet. Washington Trust Bank was recognized for not only being a supporter of the chamber, but of other organizations in the community as well, said outgoing chamber president Jordan Hamilton.

"They consistently participate with their business and personally in community events and fundraising activities that strengthen our community," he said. "This year they have given back to our community with their continued support of numerous organizations and programs with both monetary donations as well as leadership."

The bank has pitched in to help the Boys and Girls Club, Samaritan Hospital Foundation, Grant County Economic Development Council and the Babe Ruth Foundation, as well as a number of other groups in the area, said Hamilton.

Ambassador Bill Geates named Alan Heroux, of the Basin Business Journal, the 2014 Ambassador of the Year. The Ambassador of the Year award is given to a chamber ambassador who has gone above and beyond their duties and who exemplifies volunteer service, he said.

Chamber ambassadors vote on the recipient of the award each year.

Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg, was the night's keynote speaker.