RATHDRUM - Three individuals and one business driven by civic duty and service to others were recognized Saturday night during the 21st annual Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner.

The award presentations began just after 7:30, preceded by a social hour, silent auction and 7 p.m. dinner at the Golden Spike Estates Clubhouse in Rathdrum.

The Citizen of the Year Award went to Northern Lakes Fire Commissioner Larry Clark. This award honors an individual who has spent time and energy improving, beautifying and helping create a better Rathdrum. Clark has been instrumental in developing projects such as Lakeland Pines, the Super One area and Park Rose Estates.

He has been NLFD commissioner for eight years and worked to establish Station 2 on Highway 53 in Rathdrum.

Kevin Sharrai received the Professional of the Year Award, which recognizes leadership and the passion for making a difference in one's community.

"This individual pursues excellence and possesses leadership qualities, creativity, and demonstrates role model qualities," the Chamber reported. "Additionally, he works to improve the quality of life of others through community service."

Sharrai is an active member of the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce who recently held five terms on the board and spent two years as president. He has been a longtime member of the Lakeland Sunrise Rotary Club, is a former Rotary president and is the district chair of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, a mentoring project for young adults. He is involved in many community events.

The Community Service Award, which acknowledges excellence in volunteer service, was awarded to life-long Rathdrum resident Tamie Phelps.

Phelps has volunteered her time with school projects, Chamber of Commerce events and charity fundraising. She aided in the planning and success of Rathdrum Days and is the event chair for the Relay for Life of Rathdrum.

"There is a saying, 'Volunteers don't necessarily have the time, but they have the heart,'" said Shanie Rountree, membership and events director of the Rathdrum Chamber and personal friend of Phelps. "Tamie has the biggest heart of anyone I know."

The Business of the Year Award went to Chipmasters. The award recognizes a company that demonstrates leadership, innovation, commitment and community involvement. Chipmasters has served the public and private sectors in the Rathdrum area since 1999.

"Always ready to volunteer their support for the Chamber and many other civic organizations, they set the standards for excellence with their business practices and community involvement," the Rathdrum Chamber reported.

The nominating process for the awards begins in September.

"It is important to acknowledge those in our community for their dedication and commitment to the betterment of the Rathdrum community," Rountree said. She said the awards ceremony is a great event to "celebrate our wonderful little community."

Rountree said the Chamber kept quiet about the winners until they were announced.

"All the award recipients are well-known in the community," she said before the event. "I don't believe anyone will be surprised, except maybe those receiving the awards, as we have kept it secret."