JoAnn Bokovoy named chamber Citizen of the Year

The award recipients will be honored May 3 during the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet at Thunderbird Lodge. Chamber representatives say that everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend in an effort to show support for the deserving individuals and businesses. For more information or for reservations, call the Chamber office at 283-9400.

A committee comprised of local citizens and business leaders selected the recipients. Nominations included many individuals and businesses, which made it a tough decision for the committee, according to chamber representatives.

Bokovoy will be recognized for her contributions to the community and in the lives of others during the past year. Several nominations noted her contributions directing the local People-Able-Learning-Social group, known as PALS, for adults with disabilities.

“You will find her going the extra mile to make them feel special,” said one nominator. “She has given the PALS group so many gifts, seen and unseen. She has shown them how to be involved fans at many of our sporting events here at the high school, cultured citizens by taking in musical and theatrical productions, physically active in life-long sports by taking them swimming, bowling, golfing and taking yoga and tae kwon do lessons and snowshoeing on a regular basis.”

Nominations also noted Bokovoy’s involvement in establishing a similar group to PALS for teens, pairing teens with and without disabilities, and in facilitating several support groups in the community.

“Because of her efforts, she has changed the lives of many in our community who never would have allowed themselves to participate in these groups if it weren’t for her. She has empowered her groups to come out of their comfort zones, be independent and an asset to our community in many ways,” said one nomination.

Small Business of the Year Cedulie’s Photography will be recognized for demonstrating excellence in sales growth, product development, technological innovation, productivity improvements, profitability, job creation, environmental enhancement, labor management relation, safety and quality of product or service.

Owned by Cedulie LaVigne, nominations highlighted the businesses’ professionalism and persistence in becoming successful in the face of economic and financial challenges.

“She takes great pride in her work and her love for photography is apparent in the final products,” said one nomination about LaVigne.

Another nomination said LaVigne is dedicated to the community and it’s youth.

Large Business of the Year Thunderbird Lodge will be recognized for demonstrating excellence in sales growth, product development, technological innovation, productivity improvements, profitability, job creation, environmental enhancement, labor management relation, safety and quality of product or service.

One nomination noted the business’ recent and extensive remodeling effort and its service offered year-round on Rainy Lake.

“Thunderbird Lodge always provides an excellent experience,” said another nomination. “Whether an intimate dinner or reception, their staff is always pleasant and on task. The quality of the food served is top notch.”