March 2023 Executive Director's Corner- Spotlight on the Awards Banquet

in Marketing, Volunteerism, #marketing, #mfcda

Hi there and HAPPY SPRING!!!

First of all, I'd like to acknowledge that our newsletter articles are in a random order- that's something we can't do anything about and rearranging the articles isn't an option, and I'm sorry about that! In better news, according the the predicted weather report, the long winter is finally over and brighter days are ahead!!!

I'd like to use this month's Newsletter to shout out the incredible 2023 Awards Banquet. Between all the event sponsors, table hosts, award sponsors, and silent/dessert auction donors, almost 70 organizations(!!!) were represented at the Banquet, most of which were small businesses, non-profit organizations, and service clubs. Many award nominations were made, and every single nominee was worthy of a sky-high trophy, but there can only be one each year.

Without further ado, here are this year's Awardees:

Man of the Year: Vern Rodighiero

Woman of the Year: Tillie MakePeace

Viticulturist of the Year: Roger Lemstrom of Los Rocosos Vineyards

Agriculturist of the Year: Tyler Carol & Erica Turner of Creamline Farms

Educator of the Year: Heather Vaughn

Youth of the Year: Ethan Jones

Business of the Year: Surplus Recycling

Outstanding Special Project: Rotary Club of Milton-Freewater

Brick & Mortar Rehabilitation Project: Scott & Vicki Nokleby of Mongata Estate Winery

Philanthropist of the Year: Norm Saager

MFCDA Hero Award: Mark Driver

Volunteer of the Year: Emily Holden

People's Choice Award for favorite table: A-Z Accounting

Darn near everyone in this community deserves to have recognition for the things they do for our town. Recently, I was asked to be a panelist at an upcoming Oregon Heritage Summit in April because Milton-Freewater is outstanding in the State for volunteer acquisition, retention, and hours! This is a very special place that takes care of its own in a way that is unheard of.
In my own words, "What Milton-Freewater knows is that, no matter what, the marathon CONTINUES."

Yours In Service,

Maryelizabeth