Doug Harbour, Lamar Chamber Citizen of the Year for 2014

Doug Harbour with Joe Giadone, Award Presenter, in Background

Doug Harbour was honored by the Lamar community as Citizen of the Year for 2014 during the annual Lamar Chamber of Commerce banquet, Wednesday, February 4, at the Lamar Elks Lodge.

Harbour thanked the Chamber for its recognition, remarking how, several years ago, the idea of a tribute to 9/11 victims and first responders brought just 245 people to the steps of the Prowers County Courthouse for a 90 minute ceremony.  “That idea caught on and it’s surprising how this thing has grown in just the past three years.  I never imagined that so many people would become involved in this and I believe a higher power has been at work when it came to meeting people around the region who have joined in and have been willing to help,” he told the audience.  Harbour praised Carla Scranton and Sharon Bullock for their efforts on his behalf when it came to organizing and coordinating the past two events which have grown to become an all day event, including an hour long parade each September, honoring veterans and first responder units from around Colorado and neighboring states.  “God bless you all,” Harbour concluded to a rousing applause, “and God Bless the United States of America.”

Chamber Presidents, Kynlee Emick (L) and Lisa Thomas (R)

Lisa Thomas, outgoing Chamber President, provided historical background on the development of a Lamar landmark, the Enchanted Forest, during her presentation.  She noted how the Forest was created years ago, when volunteers would head into the Colorado high country prior to the holidays, cut down several hundred trees, and glue them upright in the old Chamber parking lot, creating a temporary Christmas forest decorated with lights.  A more permanent forest was created through the efforts of local volunteers such as Lee Robinson, Pat Palmer and others who helped raise $100,000 to create our present Enchanted Forest.

Kelsey Churchill from Prowers Medical Center

Thomas said the Forest received a new lease on life this past winter through the efforts of a Prowers Medical Center employee, Kelsey Churchill and the hospital’s volunteers who helped man the Forest on a number of weekends during the holiday season.  Those efforts served to re-purpose the area to downtown activities.  Thomas presented a plaque of appreciation to Churchill and to PMC, Chief Executive Officer, Craig Loveless, for the hospital’s involvement with the Lamar community.

PMC Chief Executive Officer Craig Loveless

“Two years ago, the hospital purchased $20,000 in Luv Bucks for a holiday bonus for its employees and that money was spent directly in our community.  Last year, the hospital increased that bonus to $40,000 in Luv Bucks which helped any number of local businesses,” she said.  For that and for many other activities through the past year, Thomas said the hospital deserved special recognition for the work they have done for the residents of Lamar.

Shawna Hodge

Lamar’s Main Street Director, Shawna Hodge, emceed the banquet and highlighted the work and memory of Jill Tinnes, a Chamber Past President who passed away earlier this year.  “Jill was a huge ambassador for the Chamber and the City of Lamar,” Hodge stated, “She had passion and vision and she made things happen.  You wanted to be a part of her revolution.”  Hodge recounted Jill’s contributions and innovations for Lamar Days on the city’s 125th anniversary celebration.   “She created what is now an annual event, the Beers and Brats for Boobies fundraiser held during Oktoberfest,” Hodge stated, adding, “Just this past year, it raised $7,000 which was donated to the Lamar Area Hospice.  Hodge concluded by stating, “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that our Chamber and City of Lamar is a much better place because of her love for our community.”

The banquet closed with remarks from outgoing Chamber President, Lisa Thomas who recognized her board members for their work and devotion for the past year, and by Kynlee Emick, the new President for 2015 who recognized Chamber office manager, Lisa Carder and the new board members who will serve with her in the coming year.

By Russ Baldwin