MARK WAITE / PVT Taking the oath of office from 5th District Judge Robert Lane are Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce board members Brian Strain, Marie Wujek, Kelly Buffi, Debbie Jones, Tonya Brum, Ron Frazier, Mike Selbach and David Uthoff. Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lucy Ivins is shown at the podium at rear. Advertisement

The president had his inauguration yesterday. The Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce had its annual inauguration dinner Friday night with a packed crowd at the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino.

Incoming president Mike Selbach, in his brief remarks, said the chamber recently unveiled a strategic plan.

The chamber also plans to partner with Great Basin College and the Nye County School District to support workforce development, he said.

Chamber officials also plan to kick off a "smart shopping" campaign in the coming year, Selbach said.

Besides Selbach, chamber board members who were given the oath of office by 5th District Judge Robert Lane for this year include: Vice-President Ron Frazier, Secretary Brian Strain, Treasurer Debbie Jones, and officers Tonya Brum, Kelly Buffi, Marie Wujek, David Uthoff and Keith Froehling.

The chamber also took time out at the annual dinner to hand out awards recognizing outstanding companies, associations and individuals in the community.

* Valley Electric Association was given the chamber's Cornerstone Award, given to a company that is a cornerstone of the community.

"Whenever you see a local event's sponsor list, this company is sure to be on it," outgoing chamber President Dan Rodriguez said.

VEA also conducts charitable events like a holiday coat drive, Rodriguez said. It also has an ambassador program, a Lighthouse assistance program to help the needy pay energy bills, and provides an annual scholarship.

"This company reaches out to our citizens in many different areas. As a company, it remains visionary and its strategies reflect responsiveness to change," Rodriguez said.

* The Cornerstone Award for an outstanding nonprofit organization went to the Nathan Adelson Hospice, which has been providing services for 10 years in Pahrump.

"They provide compassionate care for patients as they take their final journey. Their goal is to make sure the patient has the opportunity to spend those final months, weeks or days as pain free and comfortable as possible," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said Nathan Adelson Hospice hosts well-known fundraisers like the Blue Butterfly Coffeehouse and the Festival of Trees Gala.

* Claudia Knight received the community volunteer of the year award. After retiring to Pahrump, Knight began getting involved in her church with monthly yard sales to raise money for community programs. She was one of the original board members for the United Way of Pioneer Territory when it formed over 10 years ago, Rodriguez said.

Knight initiated the United Way Cheers for Volunteers banquet, which recognizes outstanding volunteers in the community; is currently an advisory board member for the Salvation Army and is a charter member of Soroptomist International of the Pahrump Valley, where she has been membership chairman and fundraising chairman.

* Doug Shaw, chairman of the Pony Express Ride during the Wild West Extravaganza, was honored as outstanding chamber volunteer. Rodriguez said Shaw also voluntered on a weekly basis at the chamber office, updating the community calendar, answering phones and helping with publications.

* Jack Crane, general manager of the Saddle West Hotel and Casino, picked up the community service award.

The Saddle West was honored for holding its first Halloween Safe Night in 2008.

"This community event was an enormous success with thousands of children and their parents in attendance. This event enabled the kids to experience Halloween in a safe and secure environment," Rodriguez said.

He also lauded the Saddle West for hosting the Wild West Extravaganza.

* The Goodwill Ambassador Award went to the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino.

This award goes to an organization that exemplifies leadership, commitment and service. The Pahrump Nugget hosted the Pahrump drug court program dinner, the Rotary Club's Christmas Party for kids and kicked off the Christmas holiday season with a fabulous tree lighting ceremony, Rodriguez said.