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The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce celebrated their 50th Annual Awards banquet last week by honoring individuals and businesses who have contributed greatly to the quality of life on the Kenai Peninsula. The sold out golden anniversary event was held at The Crossing restaurant on the banks of the river responsible for so much of the community's commerce. It was also the traditional changing of guard as past president Ryan Kapp officially handed his gavel over to Keri Hiler, the incoming Soldotna Chamber president who introduced the 2008 Board of Directors.

Kenai River Brewing was selected to receive the Small Business of the Year award, and Ed & Sharen Slater were honored as Lifetime Honorary Members for the contributions to the community. Peter Micciche along with Dave and Linda Hutchings chosen for the Devoted Service to Young People award and Leon and Grace Merkes were selected for the Pioneer award. The Kenai Peninsula Brown Bears hockey team was given the Volunteer of the Year award for the extensive community service their team members performed at a multitude of events in 2008 and Linda Swarner of the Food Bank was recognized with the Chamber's Community & Civic Affairs award. Soldotna City Councilman Jim Stogsdill was chosen for the Government Affairs award and Kenai River Front Lodge & Duck Inn owners Scott & Lela Rosin were chosen to receive the Business of the Year award. Hospice Executive Director Marquita Andrus was honored with the Excellence in Profession award and Robert Ruffner of the Kenai Watershed Forum was chosen as the "Person of the Year."

"It was a good year not only for me, but for our entire community. Together we were able to accomplish some good things to help take care of the Kenai River. It's been very encouraging what has happened in recent times and I truly look forward to continuing to do that work in the future," Ruffner told the Dispatch. "I really am humbled by the award the Chamber gave me tonight and while it's always nice to get some recognition from national organizations, when it comes from the people and businesses of your home town it's really very special and it just flat wouldn't be possible without the people that recognize the importance of the Kenai River and the waters of the Kenai Peninsula and are willing to come together and step up to the plate when they need to, and that challenge is going to continue for us in the future if we are to maintain this resource for future generations," added Ruffner.