Chamber honors outstanding members

The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce singled out members to honor at its annual banquet last Thursday night at Pepper Jack's Bar and Grille.

The Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union was voted business of the year by the membership.

The credit union had what President Kerry Higgins said was probably its best year ever, despite the challenges of a year filled with news of identity theft fraud across the country and in their own market. And they've been great supporters of the chamber, said Higgins, who is also on the board of the credit union.

"They're very involved in community events," he noted, "and they're very strong advocates for the chamber."

Credit Union President Colleen Manley accepted the award.

"It's an honor to accept this on behalf of my staff," she said. "I know how hard they work, and so the fact that you recognize how much we do, I really appreciate that."

The membership chose their own executive director, Peggy Nevsimal, to honor as achiever of the year.

Nevsimal has created "literally a paradigm in this community," Valen said, noting the vote was nearly unanimous.

"This is one of the funnest jobs I've had," she responded. "I feel lucky to have landed here."

Nevsimal said most of the chamber's board of directors will remain for 2015, but Sjana Bird, of North Cascades Bank, is stepping down with her latest term completed. Wade Taylor, of Taylor Enterprises will fill that director seat.