Rist, Landon named Man, Woman of the Year

City councilman Tom Rist and historical society leader Sheryle Landon were named the Man and Woman of the Year for 2002 by the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce Saturday night.

The Chamber, during its annual Installation Banquet, also presented Earl Swearingen with its first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

The banquet room at the Elk's Lodge was filled to capacity with well over 200 guests seated at more than a score of gaily decorated tables, each sponsored by a local business vying for a variety of honors as the best table in the room. The "Most Fun" award went to the table decorated by Miracle and Associates. "Most Beautiful" went to the Elmore Medical Center, "Best Representation of a Business" was won by the Idaho Army National Guard and the "Best Overall" award went to the Elmore County Historical Society.

The banquet also saw new Fourth District Judge Mike Wetherell swear in Susan Hickerson as the Chamber president for 2003, and the members of her board, Barb Fogleman, (Betty Manning, the outgoing president), Dick Cox, Tami Downen, Mary Miracle, Jack Walborn, and Shane Zenner.

The Military Affairs Committee this year will be headed by Mary Morin, Tami Downen will chair the Retail Merchant's Committee, Randy Valley will head the AFAD committee, Travel and Tourism will be lead by Barbara Cresse, Donna Herron and Sue Gross will chair the DIG-IT Committee, Ron Swearingen the Economic Development program, and Alan Bermensolo is in charge of the Silver Wings program, which will coordinate community support for the air show this fall on base.

This year's banquet celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce and six businesses that have been Chamber members continuously since that date were honored with framed certificates for their support. The six were: the Mountain Home News; Carr's Home Lumber; Hall, Friedly and Ward; DeMeyer Furniture; Wells Fargo Bank; and Idaho Power, all of whom can trace their lineage back to 1943 when the Chamber was created, in part to deal with the rapid expansion of the town after construction of the airbase.

The evening began with remarks by outgoing Chamber president Betty Manning, who thanked all who had helped her during the year. The committe members, and the rank and file, "are those people who create successes year after year (by) rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done."

Hickerson, the incoming president, said she looked forward to the challenge, noting that she "would like to see a renewal of civic endeavors" by the Chamber.

She challenged the Chamber members to "enhance" all the community activities, noting, "I see a need to expand our focus on civic projects," and to expand the Chamber membership as well.

"In times of economic decline, industry and business must come together to enhance our community," and in doing so, "enthusiasm will follow."

Newly named wing commander Col. Blair Hansen noted that "the partnership between this community and the base is legendary," and expressed his appreciation for the community's support of the base.

The power of the Air Force, he said, is not in its planes, but in its people, and "we're proud of the way our families are taken care of (by) the extended family of the community."

He also promised that, despite all the turbulence on base today as it prepares for possible deployment to war, that this fall's scheduled air show on base will once again "back the cars up to Boise."

Frank Hicks presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to to Earl Swearingen. Hicks described Swearingen's youth during the Great Depression, his service during WWII in the Navy, and his move to Mountain Home where, in 1953, he opened a pawn shop.

"This gentleman," he said, "could sell sagebrush to a jack rabbit."

Over the years, Swearingen has owned and operated a half a dozen businesses in town, but although he technically "retired" 25 years ago, his business card, Hicks said, reads: "I'm trying to retire but make me an offer I can't refuse."

He has been an officer in not only the Chamber, but a number of local civic organizations "and has helped support dozens of local businesses" over the years, Hicks said.

A humble Swearingen, and his wife of 56 years, JoAnne, thanked the Chamber for the honor, Swearingen saying, "it's been a long haul, but a good one. I love Mountain Home."

He received a standing ovation from the Chamber membership.

Then it was time for the traditional highlight of the banquet, the presentation of the Man and Woman of the Year honors. The recipients are never notified in advance, and both Rist and Landon appeared genuinely surprised and humbled by the honor bestowed on them.

Mike Miller, a former winner of the award, in making the presentation for the Man of the Year said Rist was chosen because of his service and commitment over the last 30 years to the community. He said Rist was known for his generosity and his "willingness to listen to all sides of an issue."

Not one to seek the limelight, he said Rist usually served behind the scenes at many civic events, rolling up his sleeves and often doing the dirty work that brings no glamour. "If something needs to be done, this is the person to call," he said.

Rist, in his acceptance speech, admitted, "I didn't expect this.

"It is a huge honor, and I am deeply gratified and overwhelmed," he said.

Linda Ramsey, last year's Woman of the Year, in her presentation remarks for this year's winner, said Landon was "always creative, and makes any community she lives in better than when she moved in."

As a business owner, she has always supported the Chamber and its programs, Ramsey said of Landon, and has been an active member in the revitalized Elmore County Historical Society. "She helps promote and educate about the city and its history."

Ramsey also noted that "she brings a breadth of ideas and energy" to community projects.

Landon, herself, said she was "speechless," upon receiving the honor, tears hovering at the corner of her eyes. "I am humbled (to be a part) of a long line of people who have supported Mountain Home all of our lives."

The emcee for the evening was Pat Cochran, who also handled the auction and raffles held during the evening. Music for the dance following the banquet was provided by The Solution Brothers.