POST FALLS — Randy Oaks was pulled from behind the scenes — where he likes to be while serving Post Falls — and put into the spotlight on Thursday night.

Oaks, who has volunteered with several groups, was named Citizen of the Year by the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce during its annual banquet at Red Lion Templin's Hotel.

"The impact of his involvement can certainly be measured in millions of dollars, but is immeasurable in the lives that have been bettered," said Post Falls Police Chief Scot Haug, who received the honor last year.

"He's given his time, treasure and talent, but most importantly his heart to making a significant contribution. It's a wonder he has time to work."

Oaks' voice quivered with gratitude after he accepted the award.

"This is special for many reasons," he said at the podium, just prior to recognizing his mom in the crowd across the room from where he was sitting. "This community drives you to do things. I thank you guys for inspiring me. Without you, I wouldn't be here."

Oaks is president of 3Acorn Insurance/Benefits/Financial. He said with the strong urging of others, he hesitantly became a chamber of commerce board member in 2001. And he hasn't looked back since.

He said in 2007 he became a stronger person through The Gathering, a men's group that holds participants accountable with their faith, family and work.

Oaks said the past 15 years have been a memorable ride of helping out the community.

"I have always had a love for the city and residents of Post Falls," Oaks told The Press.

Oaks’ fingerprints are on some of the community's most successful efforts, including fundraisers for nonprofits such as 4-H and schools such as the North Idaho STEM Charter Academy. He's also a Post Falls Highway District commissioner.

His service on the chamber of commerce's board of directors spans 15 years, including a term as chairman. Other boards he has been on include the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, Greene Idaho Foundation, United Way of Kootenai County, Post Falls Food Bank and Post Falls Senior Center.

Other award winners included:

• Anne Hagman, chamber's Volunteer of the Year — The business development officer for Idaho Central Credit Union has helped organize the Reverse Job Fair for area high school students, industry tours for students to local businesses and a purse benefit for Children's Village. She has also volunteered with the chamber of commerce's member appreciation celebration and a pajama drive for kids in need.

• Kootenai Health, chamber's Business of the Year — The business will open a 100,000-square-foot expansion in Post Falls this year. It is the chamber's only Visionary member and provides support to the Reverse Job Fair, Business Fair and educational workshops.

• Jordan André, Boys and Girls Club's Volunteer of the Year — André helped rebuild the club's website and provided photography services to the nonprofit.

• StandOut Promotions, Boys and Girls Club's Business of the Year — The business has helped the club with T-shirts and has served at the nonprofit's events.

• Ardella Quaale, Post Falls Senior Center's Volunteer of the Year — Quaale has volunteered more than 2,100 hours at the center in the past two years, helping with Meals on Wheels, special events and fundraisers.

• Tiffany Nelson, Post Falls Food Bank's Volunteer of the Year — Nelson started the Weekend Nutrition Backpack Program in 2011 in cooperation with the food bank and school district to help children in need. Since then, she has coordinated volunteers and other aspects of the program.

• Express Employment, Post Falls Food Bank's Business of the Year — The business improved the front area of the food bank inside and out, organized multiple food drives and donated turkeys. Owner Jessica Bauman served on the nonprofit's board the past three years and during the search process for a new executive director.

• Jeff Hinz, Spirit of Post Falls Award presented by the city — The Post Falls High football coach and teacher is battling cancer. He was recognized as being a model of Post Falls spirit and for being an inspiration to students, athletes, staff, coaches and the community.

• Ace Hardware, Mayor's Community Service Award — The Seright family continues to invest in the community and will open its third store this year — along Highway 41 in Rathdrum. Known for customer service, the business has survived the additions of three Walmart stores in Kootenai County.