Businesses, organizations and individuals were celebrated for their efforts in improving the Washington-area community Monday night.

The Washington Chamber of Commerce, Washington Economic Development Group, and Main Street Washington organizations hosted their annual Greater Washington Business Partnership Dinner which was held at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort Events Center for the first time since the pandemic. Each organization’s leadership presented their achievements and events that happened during 2021, and their annual awards.

Main Street Washington’s Volunteer of the Year award went to Main Street Board Treasurer Maddie Widmer, and WEDG’s Harvey Holden Special Service Award went to Washington County Public Health. Current Public Health Director Emily Tokheim and previous director Danielle Pettit-Majewski accepted the award, and Pettit-Majewski thanked several local organizations and leaders that helped them respond to the pandemic, and the public health staff, “They answered calls from people who were afraid and scared and not always very kind. They worked extra hours to coordinate clinics, they helped with translation. They were phenomenal and they did not get enough public praise so I’m thankful that we get this tonight.”

The Chamber’s Business of the Year award went to Jacqueline Arreola, LLC. which has been in business for nearly four years in Washington, providing a wide range of services including life, health, auto and home insurance, notary, and others. Upon accepting her award Arreola thanked her husband and business partner Temo Arreola and coworker Sandra Jara, as well as the community for their support, “And I want to say thank you to all of you for being here and being part of the Chamber, and always keep in mind that no matter what we do, at the end of the day, we all tie our shoes the same way and generosity always generates abundance.”

The Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award went to Michael Moore, a former CEO of United Presbyterian Home in Washington. Moore has been a board director for WCDC, Inc. for 35 years, and previously served on the Washington Community School Board and Washington City Council.