Jim Ross, the owner of Delta Motor Parts, expresses his appreciation for recognition as Medium Business of the Year.
The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce's annual recognition of businesses and volunteers who are making a difference in the community was held at the Delta Elks Lodge March 10. Chamber members enjoyed dinner, networking, and "A Night at the Improv," presented by Thea Deley and a group of her quick-thinking friends.
An array of gift certificates and merchandise lined the silent auction tables.
Serving as host for the evening was Michael Maigatter, a chamber board member, with support from chamber president Kristi Attarian.
Photo by Randy Sunderland
Even without his red suit, Paul Suppes, the Volunteer of the Year, resembles Santa Claus with his long, white beard.
The nominees for Volunteer of the Year were: Fred Davenport, who is active with Habitat for Humanity; Paul Suppes, who, as a very convincing Santa Claus, brings joy to kids at Christmas; David Starr, who has lent his time and talent to Deltarado Days and other events; Joyce Raley, a "superstar" at the chamber and a volunteer at the hospital; and Hayley Suppes, who has brought all the elements of the Community Revitalization Program together.
The winner was Paul Suppes, director of parks for the City of Delta. It was noted that he also chairs a Community Revitalization Program committee.
In accepting his award, Suppes said he has played Santa for 26 years, and has arrived in Delta on every type of conveyance, from a pair of mules to a helicopter. He said he finds great joy in sharing the "magical world of kids."
Business nominees were divided into small, medium and large, depending on the number of employees. Each business filled out a form which was evaluated by a blind panel.
Selected Small Business of the Year was Alpha Plumbing & Heating, which is owned by Guy and Jessica Wethington. Wetherington has 15 years of plumbing experience. Since purchasing the business from Mark Lee two years ago, the Wetheringtons have strived to emphasize customer service, quality work and a strong work ethic. They estimate they have nearly 1,400 customers in Delta County.
Photo by Randy Sunderland
Accepting the Large Business of the Year Award on behalf of Phillips’ 40+ employees and general manager Phil Schmidt are (from left) Fred Sabin, Zoe Denison and Kelly Owens.
The other nominees were: The Artist Michael's Coffee House & Art Gallery, Fat Cat Pottery, Delta Acupuncture Vitali-tea & Wellness, Twilight Multi-Media and Classic Computers.
Delta Auto Parts was recognized as the Medium Business of the Year. Owner Jim Ross worked for Cliff and Mary Cooper before purchasing the NAPA store and turning his focus to expanding the parts inventory and reinvigorating employee-customer relationships.
Also nominated were Sisson's Feed & Ranch and Big O Tires.
Nominees for Large Business of the Year were Phillips, Daveto's and Hellman Motor Company. The award went to Phillips, a business in North Delta that has 40+ employees involved in the repair and rebuilding of mining equipment.
Photo by Randy Sunderland
Jessica and Guy Wetherington, owners of Alpha Plumbing & Heating, were surprised and delighted to accept the Overall Business of the Year Award at the chamber’s annual banquet. Looking on at the right is Michael Maigatter, the evening’s host.
The winners of the small, medium and large categories were then evaluated for the overall award. Guy and Jessica Wetherington of Alpha Plumbing & Heating were delighted to accept that award for their small business.
Congratulations were conveyed to all the nominees as the evening came to a close.
