The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Installation Banquet last Thursday night at the Melody Restaurant in Coulee Dam.

The chamber annually makes an award to its "Achiever of the Year" and "Business of the Year" and names any changes to its board of directors at its annual members meeting.

Named "Achiever of the Year" was Gerald Sands. Sands served as mayor of Electric City for a four-year term and part of a second term, and currently serves as a commissioner of Grant County Port District 7.

He also has served on the chamber of commerce board and is active in support of chamber festivals and activities.

Sands is also owner of several storage units in the local area.

Emily Tillman from the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union, last year's winner, presented the award to Sands.

Taylor Enterprises, was named "Business of the Year."

Owner Wade Taylor has served on the board and recently accepted a postion as the new vice president.

Kevin Portch, owner of Loepp Furniture, made the presentation to Taylor.

The 2016 Achiever of the Year award went to Gerald Sands.

Taylor Enterprises has the contract for janitorial services at the Bureau of Reclamation.

"Wade has been very active in support of all our chamber functions," chamber executive director Peggy Nevsimal stated.

Both awards are voted on by the chamber membership.

Two chamber members, Ben Hughes and Natalie Nachtigal-

Dennis were named to the board of directors, also after a membership vote.

Other officers for this year are Kerry Higgins, president; Taylor, vice president; Lynda Anderson, secretary; and Sheryl Moore, treasurer.

The 2017 board is made up of Higgins, Taylor, Anderson, Moore, Portch, Sands, Dennis, Hughes ,and Scott Hunter.

The Melody Restaurant closed to host the private dinner, as some 42 attended the installation.