Saturday banquet recognizes business, citizen of the year

EPHRATA — The Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year awards were presented Saturday night at the 2005 Ephrata Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Guest speakers included Ephrata's Mayor Chris Jacobson.

Randy Boruff received Citizen of the Year honors for his work in Ephrata's youth sports programs. He has been working in youth sports and coaching since 1972.

"Any time you are recognized for your service, it's a real honor," Boruff said. "But when you love something as much as I love Ephrata and the Columbia Basin it makes the work easier."

Boruff was honored for his work bringing national recognition to Ephrata's Babe Ruth League Baseball.

Chris and Christine Harrison and their jewelry design store Harrison's Diamonds & Designs earned Business of the Year honors.

"It's great to be respected like this," Chris Harrison said. "We were not expecting it."

The Harrisons have been in business since 1990 in Ephrata.

Chamber board of directors member Rita Witte was named the new president for next year at the banquet.

The LS6 Band provided music at and donated their earnings to hurricane relief efforts.