Ronan Chamber has been busy in 2011
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Your Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce has been busy in 2011. The year started out with a bang when we presented Bud Cheff Sr. the lifetime achievement award at the annual chamber banquet in February. Bud delighted the crowd with stories from his youth and I think most who attended wished he would have gone on all night. We also recognized former chamber president and current board member, Wayne Fuchs, with the “Key Person” award. Wayne has been an integral part of the chamber for many years. Well deserved, Wayne!
At the end of March, area businesses came together to host the 32nd annual Agricultural Appreciation Dinner at the Ronan Community Center. More than 300 people enjoyed a social hour hosted by Community Bank and Valley Bank followed by a large steak dinner with all the trimmings. The evening was highlighted with the presentation of the Producer of the Year Award to Paul and Sharon Gunzler. The night wrapped up with an outstanding performance from Ronan High School speech and drama team member Elsie Bold and with Mayor Kim Aipperspach giving away Chamber Bucks to members of the audience.
Significant participation from area businesses demonstrates the great appreciation we all have for the farming and ranching community in this valley. This annual event is our opportunity, as businesses, to thank the farmers and ranchers for shopping locally and for supporting us throughout the year with their patronage.
The chamber also spearheaded the Ronan Clean-Up Day April 16. This year’s clean-up day was made all the more successful with the help of the City of Ronan. City workers used a truck, trailer, and backhoe to remove all sorts of items from people’s yards and houses. We also owe a big thanks to Allied Waste for donating the use of the dumpsters, to St. Luke Healthcare for providing coffee and gloves and to Ronan Power Products donated the garbage bags.
As we head toward summer (yes, summer is coming) we are looking forward to opening up the visitors center again. We will once again have a full-time staff to provide travelers with information on the valley attractions and direct them to local services.
One of the biggest highlights of the summer here in Ronan will be the crab fest taking place in Bochman Park June 10. The event will be complete with all you can eat crab, music and the famous rubber ducky races down Spring Creek. Tickets will be available soon so stay tuned for details.
There are many other very exciting things going on with the Ronan Chamber so call 676-8300 to see how you can get involved.
