The Greater Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its 2012 awards, which will be presented at its annual dinner on Thursday, March 14 at Naughton’s Johnson House. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. following social time starting at 6:30 p.m.
This year’s Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year share something in common. They both have been serving the community for over 50 years. In her nomination for Jim Fitzsimmons as the Citizen of the Year Nancy Steedman, the Mayor of the Village of Churchville, said, “It has been (Jim’s) dedication and faithful service to the Village (as Village attorney) that has kept our community moving forward.” Village Clerk Meghan Lodge echoed those sentiments by stating in her nomination, “… he has maintained the highest standard of ethical conduct. He always goes above and beyond what is required.”
Also marking 50 years of service to the community in 2012 was Westside Federal Credit Union, being recognized as the 2012 Business of the Year. Village Clerk Meghan Lodge heaped praise on the Credit Union for their help in making the 2012 Walkabout a great success. “Their contribution of having entertainment, food and trolley rides to the east end of town was an inspiration,” said the Village Clerk.
Dr. Nancy Perkins Weyl is the 2012 recipient of the Civic Beautification award. Dr. Weyl donated $10,000 to both the Village of Churchville and the Town of Riga for beautification projects. The Town of Riga has used their funds to beautify the town hall property with the planting of trees and shrubs. The Village of Churchville purchased 150 trees and shrubs with their funds to plant along the West Shore Trail in the village. There are now flowering Japanese Lilac trees at the entrances to the trail along with Arrow-wood Viburnum, Colorado Spruce and Rugosa roses.
This year the Chamber of Commerce is recognizing Stacy Stanton as the Chamber Member of the Year. Stacy Stanton has been the treasurer of the chamber of commerce since December of 2008. Once again, the chamber of commerce has a member who stands out for her service both to the chamber of commerce and the community.
Tickets for the dinner are $25 per person and may be purchased at the Riga Town offices, Churchville Village offices and Naughton’s Johnson House. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, March 8. No tickets will be available at the door.
