In brief: Gem awards event will be Jan. 22

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce will introduce a new awards event with the Jan. 22 kickoff of the Gem of the Valley Gala at Mirabeau Park Hotel.

Chamber members and other community citizens will gather to honor the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year. Selected by past recipients Norma Ventris, Mike DeVleming, Julie Prafke, Joe Custer, Diana Wilhite, Ian Robertson and Peggy Doering, this year’s honoree is Dick Denenny. The public is welcome to recognize Denenny’s contribution to both the community and the city of Spokane Valley.

In addition, Awards of Excellence will be given to three businesses, as well as a nonprofit organization, that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative and success in day-to-day business operations. Recognition also will be given to an individual for his/her contributions to the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The event starts at 6 p.m. with a social hour and silent auction followed by dinner and dancing.

Individual tickets are $45, available at the chamber office, 9507 E. Sprague Ave., or by calling (509) 924-4994.

Members named to sub-committees

LIBERTY LAKE – The Liberty Lake City Council announced sub-committee assignments for 2011 at the council meeting Tuesday.

Every year the council chooses members to serve on these sub-committees. Mayor Wendy Van Orman also attends the meetings.

Members of the city’s finance committee, which includes human resources, will be David Crump, Ryan Romney and Josh Beckett. Judi Owens is the alternate.

Public Safety committee members will be Susan Schuler, Owens and Odin Langford. Cris Kaminskas is the alternate.

Members of the community development committee, which includes public works and parks and recreation, include Kaminskas, Langford and Schuler. Romney is the alternate.

The next council meeting will be Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

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Is there a Cool Kid in your life with an interesting hobby, unique achievement, or who is just an all-around neat kid? E-mail your suggestions for Cool Kids to feature to Voices editor Jeff Jordan at voice@spokesman.com.