Chamber honors Dunham, Tougas and Heavirlands
The Seward Chamber of Commerce, CVB this week announced the 2011 Community Awards winners. Categories for the past year are: Person of the Year who must be a resident of Alaska for at least 10 years and be active in community or civic affairs; Business Person of the Year who is a Seward Chamber, CVB member who has stimulated economic development in Seward through business activity and exemplifies professional excellence in business and/or their profession; and Business Site Improvement of the Year — A Seward Chamber, CVB member who has enhanced or remodeled their place of business.
Willard Dunham was selected as the 2011 recipient of Person of the Year. “Willard Dunham has been an important asset to our community for years. His untiring efforts have positively impacted Seward’s economy in many ways. Among these things are AVTEC, Spring Creek Correctional Center, the fisheries and the Alaska SeaLife Center. He has represented Seward on many boards and commissions... always promoting new ventures and industry to invest in Seward,” writes Dorothy Urbach. Other nominees for Person of the Year were Shari Adelmann, Gene Thorn and Dan Seavey.
Chosen for 2011 Business Person of the Year was Tom Tougas. “Tom is very conscientious and hard-driving in all that he does. He is a civic minded person and spends a considerable amount of time ‘behind the scenes’ helping groups and individuals both financially and with his own time. A go-to person!” submits Jean Schwafel.
And Alan and Alison Heavirland, owners of Alaska Paddle Inn at Lowell Point are winners of the 2011 Business Site Improvement. “Over the past year or two, Alison and Alan have put an incredible amount of work into refurbishing their B&B. From the handcrafted woodwork that includes furniture and cabinetry to the tile and stone details throughout both guest rooms, the owners have gone the extra mile for their guests. This attention to detail has kept them at the top of travel sites such as Trip Advisor. Alaska Paddle Inn is a great example of how business site improvement can reflect positively on the entire community,” says Kimberley Hellmers.
The community is invited to the membership luncheon at noon Jan. 20, Breeze Inn to recognize the 2011 nominees and winners.