SVC 'Apres-Ski' banquet installs 2023 board of directors

KELLOGG — Costumed Silver Valley Chamber (SVC) members, in their retro ski gear or fur stoles, filled the Kellogg Elks for the “Apres Ski” installation banquet this past Saturday.

The delicious scent of GarrenTeed BBQ, which catered the event, wafted throughout the room as members chatted over drinks before the awards ceremony and a much-anticipated ski gear catwalk costume contest.

“This award goes to a person who has selflessly served the chamber for many years, the award states 24, but I’m pretty sure it’s been a lot longer than that,” said SVC Secretary Karen Hulstrom, presenting the 24 Years of Chamber Service Award, “He served many years as director, treasurer and worked through the ranks to president. He is one of the original, and continues to be a main Silver Hoops organizer. Our organization is deeply indebted to Nathan Wendt.”

A surprise Award of Gratitude was presented by past president Diannah Fields-Brown and awarded to “a compassionate leader with an adventurous spirit,” Tara Lodi, who had volunteered to be president of the chamber during the difficult years of COVID-19. “That says so much about her character,” said Fields-Brown, who continued to list 21 lovable traits about Lodi.

Vice President Juli Zook gave a touching speech to fellow chamber member and longtime friend Debbie Mikesell and presented her with the 45 Years of Community Service award.

“Her contributions to our community have been immeasurable and have made an impact far and wide that will be hard to surpass,” said Zook, “She handles life with dignity, strength, grace and courage, and is a role model to all. Debbie has had many firsts, being the first female mayor of Wallace, the very first president of the Idaho Funeral Directors Association.”

The Business Member of the Year award was presented by the newly inducted president, Keri Alexander, and awarded to Troy Hojem and his niece, Bridget Hojem, at Dave Smith Motors. “A few years ago, when the new general manager, Troy Hojem, took over the dealership, he presented a passion for philanthropic pursuits and a strong desire to strengthen their commitment to our community. The Silver Valley residents have witnessed their heart, their generosity in supporting meaningful causes and events like the Meals on Wheels program, the Pottsville Park project, Lions Park in Osburn and more.”

Award of gratitude winner Tara Lodi presented the Precious Gem Award to Kellogg High School teacher Kelton Enich. “The recipient of this award is someone who has given countless hours in our community and has a reputation for shining brightly as a positive light in our community.” Lodi explained that Enich took her greatest passions and formulated a plan to create a community-wide event that promotes athleticism and outdoor enthusiasm, culminating in the Jackass Half Marathon. “There is a reason that this event has become so successful and that is attributed to the commitment level in countless hours that Kelton has dedicated to this event.”

Chamber member Micheal Pierce was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award by Juli Zook, who spoke about Pierce selflessly giving his time, energy and volunteering in countless causes and organizations to make the community a better place.

“Our honoree is a master of puns, coining many phrases and has brought laughter and joy to countless occasions in our everyday life.”

The last award of the evening was presented by Fields-Brown, for the Citizen of the Year. This award was presented to Chris Marker, “Our honoree comes with high commendations,” explained Fields-Brown, speaking of Marker's time in the Army serving 30 years and retiring from the Army as command sergeant major in 2019, among his many accomplishments. “But to us, he is best known for his tireless work ethic, his dry sense of humor and his heart.”

After the awards were given out, drinks were refreshed and the cake was had, Sheriff Holly Lindsey took the stage for the Silver Valley board of directors installation and swearing-in.

“As I look in the audience I see so many people that I’ve worked with throughout the years and so many people who are near and dear to my heart. So really, I’m super excited to be here. It is really exciting for me, and I love being a part of something that’s meaningful to the community.”

The new 2023 Silver Valley Chamber board of directors installed at the banquet were as follows:

President Keri Alexander, Vice President Juli Zook, Second Vice President Kelton Enich, Past President Diannah Fields-Brown, Secretary Karen Hulstom, Treasurer Chris Marker.

For more information on the Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer opportunities, visit silvervalleychamber.com.