Wallace Chamber celebrates their finest

WALLACE — The Wallace Chamber of Commerce handed out some special recognitions as they celebrated their People of the Year.

Wallace is one of the Silver Valley’s most eclectic places and their list of award winners echoes that almost too well.

With a group that consists of a retired teacher, a grocer, a lapidary (who also does a bit of community service), and the region’s largest employer were all among the 2021 winners who were honored at the Silver Valley Spring into Summer Barbecue at the City Limits Pub.

“Normally we give these awards in January at our joint installation banquet,” said Wallace Chamber Board President Cindy Lien. “But given all the COVID restrictions, we had to wait for an appropriate occasion to recognize these outstanding people and organizations.”

Among the awards handed out were Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and other special recognitions for service to the community.

Over the last year Harvest Foods invested heavily in their facility, including expanding selection and services, and also repaving their parking lot and for that they were named Business of the Year. Owner Jeff McLeod and manager Talen Caraway accepted the award.

Local businessman and jeweler Fred Johnson was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

Johnson is a co-owner of Johnson’s Gems, but also spends his free time keeping Bank Street nice and tidy — especially the Center of the Universe, but he also dedicates countless hours to Wallace’s many festivals and events.

Retired educator and community activist Amy Lynn was named Wallace Chamber’s Citizen of the Year — the top honor of the evening. Lynn was singled out for her commitment to several community endeavors, including the Wallace Christmas Fund, the Elks Lodge, the pool project, kids’ carnivals and many others.

Dave Smith Motors and the Hecla’s Lucky Friday Mine were given special recognition for their work within the local communities — and their generous donations to local entities that put on the many events that happen throughout the community.

“Dave Smith has been an incredibly generous partner with the Chamber and the community at large,” said Wallace Chamber Board Member Anita Price.

Chamber coordinator Dave Copelan thanked Hecla for their sponsorship of this fall and winter’s Buy Local Program, a recent $100,000 donation to the Wallace Pool fund, as well as generous donations to other Silver Valley community projects.

“We are very thankful for these great people and organizations who make Wallace and the Silver Valley such a special place. We also want to especially thank the crew at the City Limits for donating their space, staff and time for the event," Lien said.