(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The Rotary Clubs of Ketchikan, First City Rotary and Rotary 2000, teamed up with the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, and Senator Mark Begich’s office to host the first ever, community-wide, Rotary Vocational Month Awards. 

Jose Crespo from the New York Hotel received
the Excellence in Customer Service Award
Wendy Olson, President Rotary 2000; Michelle O'Brien, President First City Rotary; and U.S. Senator Mark Begich
Photo by Rosie Roppel, President Elect of First City Rotary

In previous years, First City Rotary has awarded a “Courtesy Clerk” award every December that included a certificate and $100 to a local employee in the customer service area of focus.  However, on 2011, many of the nominations received were for those who owned small businesses that were new to the Ketchikan area.  After a joint meeting between Rotary 2000 President, Wendy Olson, and First City Rotary President, Michelle O’Brien, the two clubs agreed that it would be a great avenue to expand Rotary awareness with a special ceremony in October, which is Vocational Month.

The two clubs coordinated to create two awards:  “Excellence in Customer Service Award” and the “Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award”.  The Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce approached the clubs to help host the event, and the staff of Senator Mark Begich (AK-D) agreed to also contribute to this important award.

Sweet Mermaids, a new local bakery and coffee shop, received the “Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award”. Accepting the award for Sweet Mermaids is Hanah Zellmer.Photo by Rosie Roppel, President Elect of First City Rotary

On October 5th, a large audience of approximately 150 Rotarians and community members convened as Senator Begich gave the keynote address and the two clubs awarded Jose Crespo, of the New York Hotel, the “Excellence in Customer Service Award”, and Sweet Mermaids, a new local bakery and coffee shop, the “Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award”. 

The luncheon was MC’ed by Chamber of Commerce President and Rotary 2000 member, Miguel Torres. Both Rotary Club Presidents called the meeting to order with the ringing of their clubs’ bells.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Presidents Olson and O’Brien led the crowd in the recitation of the Four Way Test.  Briefly interrupting the ceremonies, Miguel Torres’ phone ringing led to the proclamation by Senator Begich, that Torres should be “fined” which drew laughs from the crowd.

In addition, both InBound and ReBound Rotary Exchange students were present to further publicize Rotary Youth Exchange and the Rotary Exchange Students had a chance to ask questions, take photos, and converse with Senator Begich.

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Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

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