Herald staff
A host of community businesses leaders were honored for service to business and the community at large recently at the annual banquet of the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce.
Honorees included:
Ed Hansen, Everett’s mayor, who received the Henry M. Jackson Citizen of the Year award for his "deep commitment to the city, its citizens and the business community." Hansen, a lawyer, began his public service career as an assistant to Jackson.
Larry Hanson, who recently retired as publisher of The Herald, received a Lifetime Achievement award for "extensive community involvement and outreach, serving in numerous leadership roles that have led to the betterment of life in Snohomish County." During his 45 years at The Herald, Hanson led a number of efforts to improve or expand educational opportunities, social services and economic development.
James Hodgson, vice president of business development at Goodrich’s aviation technical services division, was named Corporate Executive of the Year. During his tenure, the division won a corporate diamond award from the Federation Aviation Administration and company’s Presidential Safety Award.
Lee Pintar, a founder and leader of Coastal Community Bank, was named Small Business Executive of the Year for the success of his enterprise and his community involvement though such roles as president of the area Boy Scouts council.
State Rep. Aaron Reardon, who represents the Everett area, received the Service to Business Award for his work in the Legislature. Reardon has "consistently championed improving economic development and the quality of life throughout Snohomish County," chamber officials said.
Advanced TelCom Group Inc., which came to the county in 2000 to offer communication services, won the Business Innovation Award.
Steve and Betty Neighbors of TERRA Resource Group received Employer of the Year honors for their employee friendly workplace and for their extensive community involvement.
Sue Kortright, marketing director of the Everett Plaza care facility, was named Employee of the Year. Kortright is a chamber ambassador and serves on the board of the Snohomish County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Frank McCord, chairman and chief executive of Cascade Bank, received the Dick Stephens Community Caring Award for his extensive community involvement in such organizations as the Downtown Everett Action Committee, Providence Everett Medical Center, Corporate Roundtable for the Arts, Snohomish County Community Foundation and Snohomish County Housing Summit.
The Boeing Co. was named Friend of the Chamber for its support of chamber and community activities for many years, both through financial contributions and through employee volunteerism.
Dick Bennett, a former chamber president who now is marketing director for Perteet Engineering, also won a Friend of the Chamber award. The award recognizes Bennett as a "passionate supporter of the business community."
Linnea Covington of Structural Design Associates, who also teaches statistical analysis at the University of Washington, was named Ambassador of the Year for her work in the community and on numerous chamber committees.
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