Valley chamber gives out awards

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce gave out its annual Awards of Excellence on Saturday.

The Rev. Ian Robertson, who retired as senior pastor of the Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene in 2007, was named the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year, recognizing outstanding community leadership.

Robertson serves as chairman of the city’s Planning Commission and is founder of the Spokane Valley HUB, a youth sports facility in Liberty Lake that attracts tournaments and other events.

A special “Compassionate Employer” award was given to Rosauers Supermarkets for preserving the jobs of employees at its Five Mile store, which has temporarily closed because of damage sustained in recent snowstorms.

Store manager Terry Norton received the award on behalf of the company. She was previously assistant manager in the Spokane Valley store.

Walls That Talk, which creates murals and custom signs, was named Small Business of the Year.

Design Events Inc., which produces trade shows and theme events, was recognized as Medium Business of the Year.

The Coeur d’Alene Casino & Resort was named Large Business of the Year.

Candlelighters of the Inland Northwest, a chapter of the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year.

The Chamber Volunteer of the Year was Jim Giles, of Visible Difference. Giles is a chamber ambassador.

Monique Smith, of Monique’s Salon, was given the Community Caring Award.

Debbie Navin was named Ambassador of the Year.