What does a 62-year old fire captain, a wheelchair bound athlete, a fundraising guru and a grassroots environmental activist have in common? Each one of these individuals have been nominated for the 2009 Squamish Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year award for demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to their community.
"Basically, every year the Chamber of Commerce honours hard-working individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community," said Chamber manager Kenny Music.
Nominees for the citizen of the year award include Uffe Hansen, Kristen Lee McBride, Bill McNeney and Ana Santos.
Uffe Hansen served as captain of Squamish Fire Rescue for 15 years and was recently recognized by the Office of the Federal Fire Commissioner for exemplary fire rescue service totalling more than 40 years.
At the age of 20, Lee McBride was in a life altering vehicle accident which left her quadriplegic. She is one of two wheelchair women's rugby players in British Columbia and will be participating in the Opening Ceremonies for the Paralympic Games at BC Place on March 12.
McNeney is currently chairman of the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) and is known for his knack for fundraising. In 2008, McNeney chaired a tribute for Dr. Kindree and helped raise more than $200,000 in one evening.
He has also fundraised for several organizations including the Squamish Hospital Foundation and Squamish Rotary Club.
Santos is a Spanish trained translator who has resided in Squamish since 2004. She is the lead co-ordinator of Squamish Climate Action Network, a vibrant group of environmentally conscious individuals who strive increase awareness and demand action on various climate change concerns.
The nominees for the business of the year are Goodwin Studios and Snap Sea to Sky.
Jude Goodwin owns and operates the small web design company known as Goodwin Studios. Since 2002, Goodwin has sponsored many community events and helped non-profit groups develop branding strategies and websites.
With eight photographers on staff, Snap Sea to Sky provides good news media coverage for the entire sea to sky corridor. The free publication promotes local events and businesses.
The winners of the citizen and business of the year awards will be announced at the chamber gala on Saturday (Jan. 30).
For ticket information visit: www.squamishchamber.com/site/
New president shares vision
After a reportedly tight race Sameer Kajani was elected as the new Chamber president on Tuesday Dec. 8.
The vote was so close, the deciding vote had to be sought out from a chamber member who was out of town. Kajani confirmed a member participated in the election over the phone but would not expand on the situation.
"I think there was a couple of positions that were closely contested but a democratic process took place and the majority prevailed," said Kajani. "Now we will move forward as a board and work together."
He refused to disclose who he campaigned against, but shed a positive light on the competitive race.
"It just shows that we have a passionate board and [we have] people who do want to get involved and it's fantastic," he said. "I don't think it would be a good sign if people didn't want to be involved."
As president, Kajani said, he hopes to act as an advocate for Chamber members and help members capitalize on economic opportunities.
