Ramsey, Wetherell earn 2001 honor

Wednesday, January 23, 2002

Dennis Wetherell and Linda Ramsey were named the 2001 Man and Woman of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce during its annual installation banquet at the Elk's Club Saturday.

City Clerk Betty Manning was installed as the new president of the Chamber, after being sworn in, along with the new board members, by Judge John Sellman. Marsha Pritchard will serve as vice president of the Chamber. The new board is composed of Lisa Powers, Susan Hickerson, Jack Walborn, Dick Cox and Deb Neeley.

Manning, in her remarks accepting the position, vowed to re-energize the Chamber, to expand its membership and to increase participation by members.

Noting the difficulties of the last year, the deployment of large numbers of personnel from the base, the loss of several key retailers, and the downturn in the local economy, Manning said that "when times are tough, we work together" and as a community rise above the difficulties.

She noted few chamber members can actually say what the chamber does, these days, then provided a lengthy list of events, activities and programs it sponsors.

"I hope to work for great participation and involvement (by members) so if anyone asks, 'what does you chamber do?' everyone can answer."

Outgoing president Jed Roeser thanked the members for the opportunity to serve, praised the Chamber staff and expressed his confidence in Manning.

The honors to Wetherell and Ramsey were well-received by the Chamber members. The pair were selected by former winners of the award and neither recipient knew in advance of the honor they would receive that night.

Last year's Man of the Year, Mike Miller, said Wetherell's selection was based on "his untiring community efforts over the last 30 years."

"He is known for his generosity to every cause known to mankind," Miller said of Wetherell.

Wetherell has been a member of most of the community's civic clubs, and held leadership positions in most of them.

In 1988, when it appeared the base might close, Wetherell led the effort to organize a march on the state capitol to rally the state on behalf of the base. A member of the Honorary Gunfighter Hall of Distinction, he also has served as ACC Community Representative for many years and has made numerous trips on behalf of the community to Langley AFB, Va., and Washington, D.C., to lobby for the base.

Although declining health in recent years has slowed him down, he has been a long-time active member of the Chamber, and is credited with revitalizing the annual banquet after it had become moribund ten years ago. Today, the banquet is one of the largest social events of the year in Mountain Home.

Wetherell, in his acceptance speech, said it had been his pleasue to take part in the community over the last 30 years. "I think this is one of the best communities in the state of Idaho. It's a place where you can make friends easily, and that last a long time."

Contending none of his successes would have been possible without "all my friends in this room," Wetherell added, "it's been a wonderful ride."

Ramsey was selected based on her behind-the-scenes involvement in the community and on behalf of the Chamber.

"I cannot think of a single Chamber project that she has not participated in," said last year's winner of the Woman of the Year award, Judi Devol. "Whether it is the downtown promotions like Crazy Daze or the Harvest Festival, or projects like AFAD, she is always ready to jump in and do whatever is needed.

"She has manned ticket booths, helped with the parade route, typed lists. She has helped with every 'appreciation' activity, from banquets to picnics. No matter what the task, she takes it on without hesitation and without complaining.... If you want something done and done right, she is the one to see to it."

An employee of Farm Credit Services, Ramsey also has been heavily involved in the 4-H program in Elmore County. "She always keeps an eye out for our agricultural community, paying close attention to anything that might affect our farmers and ranchers and always working for their best interests," Devol noted.

Ramsey was almost tearful in surprise at her selection, able only to blurt out a "thanks so much" as an acceptance speech.

Col. Jeff Eberhart, the wing vice commander, offered his praise to the Chamber members in a brief speech, noting "our big thanks for taking care of all the Gunfighters" after their deployment to the war in Afghanistan.

"We really appreciate all the support we get from town. This town has been involved, and we thank you very much."

Noting that the Gunfighters "have been writing new chapters in warfare" while fighting in Afghanistan, Eberhart said that "while we're out there supporting and defending (the nation), there are still people here who have to live their lives, and I'm not sure there's a better place in the world to do that than here in Mountain Home."

The banquet, emceed by Pat Cochran, Wal-Mart manager, who also provided some pre-banquet music, again featured two dozen businesses competing for the most elaborate table decorations.

The best overall table went to First American Title Company. First Horizons Home Loan won the award for the most fun table, Century 21 garnered the honor for the most beautiful table, and Liercke/Prichard Construction won for best representation of their business.

A number of raffle prizes also were handed out during the evening, which concluded with a dance, music provided by the Zem Band.

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