by POLLY KEARY, EDITOR

The 17th Annual Community Awards were well-attended Thursday night at Monroe High School. The awards honor people and businesses that have made substantial contributions to the community in the previous year.

Winners of this year's Community Caring Awards, for commitment to the community as a whole, went to Mexican variety story and bakery La Talpita and non-profit agency Take The Next Step.

There were five winners of the Community Improvement Awards, given to those who have made substantial contributions to the improvement of the community. Amanda Kleinert, owner of Main Street Books and co-founder of downtown improvement group Destination Alley, won the individual award. Destination Alley itself won the award for a non-profit group. Coastal Community Bank won the Small Business award and Lowe's and the YMCA shared the award for major employers.

The Business Excellence Awards, given to businesses that demonstrate ethical practices and that are good environments for employees was given in three categories. Monroe Digital Copy won in the Family Size Business category, Ben Franklin won for mid-sized, and the Monroe School District won in the major business category.

Main Clothing Company and Key Bank shared the award for Outstanding Customer Service, and Quackenbush and Hansen, P.S. won the Entreprenurial Award, given to those businesses headquartered in Monroe that share knowledge with other businesses, strengthening the business community.

The Ed Utterback Revitalization Award, given to a business that has contributed to community vitality, went to downtown real estate owner Lana Stephens, who has worked with Destination Alley to improve an alley behind Main Street that was plagued with drug use and debris.

The Monroe Public Schools Community Leadership Award went to the Monroe Police Department for outstanding service to Monroe schools, and Canyon Creek Cabinet Company, nominated by an employee, was named Employer of the Year.

Chamber Ambassadors of the Year, chamber of commerce members noted for promoting memberships and for high involvement in the organization, were Kay Woods and John Holmes.

Monroe Chamber Members of the Year, those who have been very involved and active in the chamber and who have contributed to the well-being and growth of the chamber, were Meghan Manning and Sally Petty.

And the Presidents Award, given to an individual who has made lasting contributions to the city and chamber over many years, went to Marie Lotzgesell.

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