Chamber honors business, volunteers

The Libby Area Chamber of Commerce recognized two local business members and one community member for their contributions to the Libby area during the organization’s annual fundraiser dinner Feb. 6.

Libby’s Venture Inn was named Business of the Year for 2015, due in large part to owner Paul Bunn’s commitment to bringing tourism and new business to south Lincoln County.

“Paul Bunn has worked very hard in getting tourists to Lincoln County including skiers and snowmobilers,” chamber executive director Pam Peppenger said. “He has made trips to Canada to spread the word about Libby and Lincoln County’s snowmobile trails and Turner Mountain. He has also remodeled the Venture Inn to make it more inviting for all visitors to the area.”

Kaylee Robinson, owner of the Quilt Cottage, was recognized as Entrepeneur/New Business of the Year. 

“The Quilt Cottage was opened by Kaylee Robinson in June, 2016,” Peppenger said. “She took her hobby and turned it into a profession. She offers classes and everything you will need for quilting.”

The chamber also recognized Cathy Burrell as the Volunteer of the Year. Burrell has been donating time at the chamber for more than 30 years.

“Cathy works two days a week at the Chamber and has done so off and on since 1982,” Peppenger said. “She keeps track of all our brochures and orders them when needed, she trains new volunteers and keeps us all on the straight and narrow. If she ever decides to retire she will be greatly missed.”

Dinner attendees Diana Martin and Rita Wickham held the last two prize tickets and decided to split the pot, each pocketing $2,000 worth of Chamber of Commerce Libby Bucks, redeemable as cash at chamber member businesses.