Business leaders and community members gathered at the Kitsap Golf and Country Club on Sept. 20 to recognize a select group of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the Silverdale and Central Kitsap community.

All of those nominated, through community input, were acknowledged as citizens or businesses of distinction for their contributions. Winners were awarded engraved platters from the Tiffany Company.

The Central Kitsap Reporter, sponsor of the Business of the Year, presented the award to Costco Wholesale for its efforts in assisting many organizations in the community with financial, in-kind and volunteer resources. The nomination cited the scope of Costco’s involvement as being in proportion to their size as a business in the community.

Kitsap Credit Union presented the award for Business Pioneer of the Year to the Robert Gordon family. Their nomination cited the family’s many years of service and commitment to the development of Silverdale through the principles and practices of “hometown” service in their family operated bank.

The Red Lion Hotel presented the award for Citizen of the Year to Captain Duane Baker. The recently transferred Commanding Officer of SUBASE Bangor was recognized for his depth of community involvement and participation in a myriad of community projects and committees that proved integral to the outstanding relationship had between the community and area military installations.

Puget Sound Energy, sponsor of the Paul G. Linder Service Award for Chamber Member of the Year, presented their award to Stacey Ames, Marketing Director for Kitsap Mall. Ames nomination spoke to her activities in integrating the mall as a strong member of the community and partner to many local organizations to assist them in meeting their missions of support to the community.

Additionally, the Silverdale Chamber installed its new Board of Directors for 2004; Teresa Sims of Office Depot as President, Gary Bowlby of Printery Communications as President-elect, Kevin Wojcik of Red Lion Hotel Silverdale as Treasurer, John Hight or Brewton Hight Insurance as Secretary, and Dorothy Reincke of Prudential Northwest as Vice President for Special Events.

New Board members William White of Wal Mart, Virginia Anderson of Parker, Mooers and Cena CPA, and Dr. Cathy Davidson, superintendent of schools for Central Kitsap, will join Ted Farmer of Heads Up Brewing, Matt Kover of Frontier Bank on the board. Jennifer Green, of the YWCA remains as Past-President.

The event was emceed by Seattle comedian Brad Upton and featured Joel Benoliel, senior vice-president for Costco as the keynote speaker.