Hunter named “Achiever of the Year”

The chamber’s own president, Scott Hunter, was named “Achiever of the Year” during a special luncheon last Thursday.

Annually, the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce names both a “Business of the Year” and an “Achiever of the Year” at its annual meeting. Hometown Pizza was named “Business of the Year.”

Hunter, president of the chamber, and owner and publisher of The Star newspaper, was honored for his many “behind the scenes” contributions he makes to the community the chamber serves, Susan Miller, chamber executive director stated.

He is involved in the Rotary Club, and sits on several county and area boards. One way he boosts the community is to encourage development in the area.

He has always seen the local towns as “one community,” where people pull together to get things done, Miller stated.

“Scott also does a lot of research for the chamber and makes certain that projects the chamber does are steered in the right direction,” Miller said.

The awards for the two categories of service began in 1983. Last year’s honorees were Kathy Baty for “Achiever of the Year” and Pepper Jack’s Bar & Grille as “Business of the Year.”

Hunter was instrumental in getting the North Dam Park project underway and worked with the Coulee Area Park & Recreation District.

Hunter was re-elected president of the chamber, a position he has held off and on for the past 13 years, and installed for the new term at the meeting. Other officers are Jim Pachosa, vice president; Kathy Baty, treasurer; and Karrie Utz, secretary. Two new members of the board were elected: Kevin Portch, of Loepp Furniture and Appliance; and Jessie Utz, of Coulee Graphics.

Miller said that the business and achiever honorees are selected by a committee of three, made up of Miller, and last year’s winners, namely, this year, Carlene Worsham and Kathy Baty. They receive and tabulate information about those who are nominated.