As master of ceremonies, “New York” Vinnie Richichi from KIRO 710 entertained about 100 community and Silverdale Chamber of Commerce members gathered at the WestCoast Silverdale Hotel.

The Sept. 14 event paid tribute to individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Silverdale and Central Kitsap community.

Nominees for Business of the Year were Kitsap Mall/Macerich Corporation, WestCoast Silverdale Hotel, and Costco. The WestCoast Silverdale Hotel received the honor this year for their significant impact on the Silverdale community’s economic and social well-being.

Nominees for Business Pioneer of the Year, sponsored by Kitsap Community Federal Credit Union, were Dahl and Peterson Glass Company, Blaine Highfield of Highfield and Meyers Real Estate, and Cornelius “Pete” and Effie Ross and family. Pete Ross and his family received the accolade for their legacy in shaping Silverdale and Kitsap County.

Nominees for Citizen of the Year, sponsored by WestCoast Silverdale Hotel, were Quentin “Tex” Lewis, Kevin Wojcik and Paulette DeGard. The award was presented to Tex Lewis, citing his significant contribution through time, energy and talent towards developing a sense of community in Silverdale.

Nominees for Chamber Member of the Year included Classic Woods Furniture, Kitsap Bank and Mortgage, and Brewton-Hight Insurance Agency. Brewton-Hight received the award recognizing their significant record of service and diligence to the chamber through the past 12 months.

During the evening retiring board president Nancy Whitaker awarded the President’s Award to Lisa Hitchings from the Central Kitsap Reporter and the Paul G. Linder Service Award to Nona Mooers of Parker, Mooers and Cena P.S.

The evening’s event also included the formal introduction of new Board members as well as the installation of officers for 2002-2003.

The board officers for the coming year will be: president – Jennifer Green from the YWCA, president-elect – Shirley Casteel from Kitsap Mortgage, vice-president for events – Dr. Karen Busso from the Chiropractor’s Clinic, secretary – Gary Bowlby of Printery Communications, and treasurer – Kevin Wojcik from the WestCoast Silverdale Hotel. Nancy Whitaker stays on the board as past president.