BLUE PLATE SPECIALS:
Winners at the 31st annual Anderson Chamber of Commerce awards dinner, from left, James Yarbrough, Judi Bartholomew, Debbie Johnson and Kathy Byerly (with daughter Trisha), show off their awards. A replacement was ordered for Yarbrough, whose plate broke in shipping.

Gold and black table décor graced the Win-River Events Center for the Anderson Chamber of Commerce’s 31st annual awards dinner Saturday, May 3, with top honors in four categories going to well-deserving businesses or individuals from the community.

Approximately 175 ticket-buying patrons attending the event enjoyed a champagne reception, musical entertainment provided by Slam Buckra and his Groove Palooka band, and a catered dinner.

Among 10 nominees for the 2007 title of Business of the Year, the chamber’s six-member awards committee selected Mary’s Pizza Shack at 1901 Highway 273, located in the Shasta Outlets shopping center, because “it is the place to see and be seen,” said Pamela DelMonte, president of the Anderson Chamber’s board of directors. The award is sponsored by the Anderson Valley Post

The Chamber’s Distinguished Service Award for 2007 went to James Yarbrough, owner of Cash It Now. The award is sponsored by Premier West Bank.

The Grace Bell Memorial Award went to Judi Bartholomew, branch manager of Members 1st Credit Union. The award is jointly sponsored by Anderson Explodes! and Curves.

In a category making its debut this year, the Anderson Chamber selected Debbie Johnson of the city’s Parks and Recreation department, to receive its first Customer Service Award. The award is sponsored by Gaia Anderson Hotel and Spa.