Chamber honors Lynnwood businesswoman
Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, November 7, 2006
LYNNWOOD – More than 20 years of charitable efforts while she helped to lead a prominent local business have earned Karen Block this year’s John M. Fluke Sr. Community Service Award.
The award will be given tonight at the South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce’s Tribute to Leadership dinner in Lynnwood.
Block is general manager and co-owner of Wight’s Home &Garden, popular for its nursery and home decor items, particularly during the holiday season. The business also has strongly supported local charities, especially through its Wonderland of Christmas and Twilight Garden Party events each year.
“She’s been doing this stuff for years,” said Jean Hales, president of the chamber. “They’ve raised, quite literally, hundreds of thousands of dollars through those community events.”
The Wonderland of Christmas event raises money for the Public Education Foundation for the Edmonds School District, while the garden party benefits Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Wight’s also strongly supports the Edmonds Arts Festival.
Block started working at Wight’s in 1983, when her older brother, Jim Anderson, bought the business from its founder. Block said she and her brother continue to work well together in their venture.
Since starting at Wight’s, the Lynnwood resident has been involved in the chamber and other organizations. While she acknowledges her long record of involvement in the community, Block also gives much credit to the dozens of people who work at Wight’s.
“I feel I am the voice and face of Wight’s, but there are so many of us here that are involved. My staff is what makes it all happen,” said Block, who called tonight’s recognition “humbling.”
The South Snohomish County Chamber’s leadership award is named after John M. Fluke Sr. who founded what’s now known as Fluke Corp. and was the chamber’s co-founder and first president.
Reporter Eric Fetters: 425-339-3453 or fetters@heraldnet.com.
Awards dinner
The South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner is 5:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Lynnwood Convention Center. Dinner reservations are $60 each. It’s still possible to reserve a spot today by calling the chamber office at 425-774-0507, ext. 0.
Awards dinner
The South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner is 5:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Lynnwood Convention Center. Dinner reservations are $60 each. It’s still possible to reserve a spot today by calling the chamber office at 425-774-0507, ext. 0.
