Finalists announced for Leadership Awards 

Posted

The Chamber of Jefferson County has announced the finalists for this year’s Community Leadership Awards.

The winners will be announced online during a Zoom videoconferencing gathering planned for 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.

The virtual awards show will honor the following community leaders:

Business Leader of the Year Award

Presented to an individual who demonstrates a history of vision, service and leadership for the betterment of the Jefferson County Community. This individual has built a legacy of building other leaders along the way. This individual has established a reputation of character, trust and leadership for others to emulate.

The finalists are: 

Amanda Milholland: Farmer’s Market;

Carole Hasse: Sail Loft, Maritime Sector Leader; and

Kristen Nelson: Owner of Sirens Pub, Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar, The In Between and The Old Whiskey Mill.

Rising Entrepreneur Award

Presented to an individual who demonstrates a commitment to business and economic development. This individual embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking that will lead Jefferson County to sustained economic prosperity. The contribution and leadership of this individual is a catalyst for job creation, smart growth/development, or economic improvement in Jefferson County.

The finalists are: 

Mike and Heather Harbin: Mo Chilli; and

Matt Mortenson and Chris Brignoli: ReVision Marine.

Young Professional of the Year Award

Awarded to the young professional who demonstrates excellence, creativity and valuable service in their business to improve the quality of life for others in the community. They serve as a role model for their peers and our community youth.

The finalists are: 

Nathan VanderVen: Strait Blast Gym; and

Amanda Milholland: Farmers Market.

Future Business Leader Award (Youth)

Awarded to a high school senior who displays leadership qualities everyday — qualities such as honesty, integrity, dependability, respectfulness and compassion. This student succeeds in academics as well as community service and serves as a role model to their peers.

The finalists are: 

Isabel Hammett: Recent high school graduate;

Lilly Montgomery: Recent high school graduate; and

Isabella Harvey: Recent high school graduate.

Citizen of the Year Award

Presented to an individual whose extraordinary public service has made a positive impact on the community. This individual has chosen to give back to the community and serve others. The Jefferson County community is a better place because of the efforts of this individual.

The finalists are: 

Kristen Nelson: Owner of Sirens Pub, Alchemy Bistro & Wine Bar, The In Between and The Old Whiskey Mill; and 

Judith Lundgren: Wednesday night Barstool Bingo and 20 years of service to the community.

The Jefferson County Community Leadership Awards event is produced by the Chamber of Jefferson County to honor local heroes, and is made in conjunction with The Port Townsend Leader and the chamber’s Platinum Sponsors: Richard Tucker, Autoworks, The Business Guides, 1st Security Bank and New American Funding. The chamber also thanks Gold Sponsor Coldwell Banker Best Homes.

Major General Tracy Garrett, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) will be the keynote speaker at the event. 

A decorated veteran of the war in Iraq, she is an experienced senior leader primarily in the field of logistics with
36 years of service in the active and reserve components of the Marine Corps. 

Tickets for the event can be found on the chamber website at jeffcountychamber.org/events.