RUMFORD – Nearly 120 people, the most ever, turned out Saturday night to honor several businesses and individuals for their work on behalf of the people of the River Valley.

River Valley Chamber of Commerce President Rosie Bradley said each year chamber membership grows.

“The Chamber has been very active this year. More and more people realize the value of being a member,” she said.

Among the new projects the Chamber has launched, sometimes with the local growth council and River Valley Technology Center, are periodic municipality summits aimed at getting the 10 towns of the region to work together, occasional legislative breakfasts with the goal of keeping on top of state laws that may affect businesses, and a series of lunch and learn sessions that aim to show business owners how to improve their businesses.

Volunteer award

For the first time, the Chamber presented an award to recognize a member of the Chamber’s board who has put in countless hours to advance the cause of the organization. The recipient was Yvonne Allen of Peru, advertising manager for the Sun Journal in Rumford.

She was also honored as the Volunteer of the Year. Not only did she play a vital role in the Chamber’s first River Valley Expo last fall, but she also helps coordinate the Peru Summerfest, volunteers as a chaperon for school class trips, and works with the Peru Snowmobile Club.

“Like the Energizer bunny, she keeps going and going, with a smile on her face,” said Bradley.

Business award

Oxford Lanes, owned by Debbie and Richard Nokes, was honored as the Business of the Year for the ways it serves the community. The Nokes bought the business in 2000 from his parents, Ted and Vivian Nokes, who had owned it since 1981. Since then, they have increased the number of employees from three to 10, started a children’s bowling league, opened a cafe’, provided a place for birthday parties, participated in several charitable fund-raisers and have plans to add a miniature golf course.

“Oxford Lanes has always struggled to provide a family place,” said Bradley.

Customer service

The employees at All That Jazz have sometimes taken customers home, got their lunch while having hair done, started their cars for them when they’ve just had their nails done, and try to work around their customers’ schedules.

For that reason, owners Julie Dickson and Sharon Porter and their eight employees were honored with the Customer Service Award.

“They are very community oriented, selling tickets for every event, making donations. They are a fun, stress-less salon,” said Bradley.

The women have owned the Congress Street business for 11 years..

“We have always tried to bend over backwards for our customers. We’ve laughed and celebrated and cried with our customers,” said Jamie Dayon, an employee at All That Jazz.

Nonprofit award

Joe Sassi, president of the the Chisholm Ski Club, was honored that his 130-member volunteer group received the award for nonprofit organization.

“This is truly an honor on behalf of all the faithful volunteers. They’ve spent many an hour at Black Mountain,” he said.

The Chisholm Ski Club has been critical in getting national ski competitions to the small, family-oriented mountain and was instrumental in the sale of the mountain to Maine Winter Sports Center, which is expanding and renovating offerings at the mountain.

“All the volunteers pour their heart and soul into what they do,” said Chamber member Roger Whitehouse.

Tammi Lyons, executive secretary of the River Valley Chamber, was also honored for her dedication and hard work on behalf of the Chamber. She leaves for a new position next week.

Bradley said choosing recipients for this year’s awards was extremely difficult.

“We had several good nominations in each category,” she said.

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