WARDEN - Members of the Warden Development Council recently recognized a handful of influential community members for their contributions to Warden during a meeting Wednesday.

WDC President Susie Barr said a handful of Warden community members have been especially involved with improving the city over the past year. "There are so many volunteers in the city of Warden, and they need to be recognized," she said. "This is just one of our ways of saying thanks."

Barr said the more people contribute to the Warden community, the better the community becomes.

Pacific Coast Canola was given the Business of the Year award during the WDC meeting. Production at PCC is now underway, and the company recently announced its first sale and shipment of canola oil from the plant.

WDC board member Dale Pomeroy said the hard work that was put in by organizations like the Grant County Economic Development Council to get PCC to set up shop in Grant County finally paid off.

"It's a tremendous honor to see what they've done for our community," he said.

Doug Skone was recognized for his dedication to several community groups during the meeting. He received the Citizen of the Year award from the development council.

WDC member Pat Millard pointed out Skone's involvement with organizations including the Warden school board, the fire district, the Lions club and the Washington State Potato Committee, among others.

She said Skone has done a lot for the people of Warden, especially the youth of Warden, over the years.

Millard said that Skone also helped with the Future Farmers of America farm, which has benefitted Warden kids.

Millard also presented Bobie Whitaker with the WDC Lifetime Achievement award during the meeting. Millard said that without Whitaker, the WDC might not even be in existence.

Whitaker was one of the council's founding members when the organization was started about five years ago.

"You have been in this community for a long time, and we appreciate everything you do," she said. "If it wasn't for you, this organization would not have gotten started."

Barr received the 2012 Volunteer of the Year award for her efforts to improve the council as well as the town.

Warden postmaster Tyce Cutler said that Barr continuously goes above and beyond the requirements of her position as WDC president.

"We appreciate your contributions to this organization and your bringing it to the forefront," said Cutler.