Helping guide the future
Photos: LOREN BENOIT/Press Ryan Davis, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County, was named Citizen of the Year during the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Community Recognition Gala at Red Lion Templin’s Hotel on Thursday night.
Ace Hardware was recognized as Business of the Year at the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Community Recognition Gala at Red Lion Templin’s Hotel on Thursday night. Ace co-owner Brett Seright was presented with the award.
Mark Woodworth presents SC Frazer, left, with the Volunteer of the Year Award during the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's Community Recognition Gala at Red Lion Templin's Hotel on Thursday night. Frazer, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is a chamber of commerce board member, founding member of the Combat Veteran Riders, president of the Washington Fallen Heroes Project and board member of Time of Remembrance. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff Writer
POST FALLS — Ryan Davis has helped shape the future of Kootenai County in multiple ways.
Davis, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County and Post Falls planning commissioner, was named Citizen of the Year during the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's Community Recognition Gala at Red Lion Templin's Hotel on Thursday night.
"Honestly, it's luck," a surprised and teary-eyed Davis said after receiving the award. "I'm lucky to get to walk with all of you and follow."
Davis' parents Don and Lana were in attendance.
"I look at my dad … coach, county commissioner, advocate for the community," he said. "He laid the road that I get to follow."
Davis' wife, Jamé, president and CEO of the chamber of commerce, was presented the award two years ago. Together their motto in serving the community is "Team Davis."
"A reason I'm standing here is that I get to walk every day with her," Ryan said, recognizing Jamé.
Mark Woodworth, the event's emcee and chamber chairman, said Davis' volunteer activities that also include serving as an emcee and auctioneer for fundraisers show his heart is in the community.
"He sets an example not only for young people, but for his professional peers," Woodworth said.
Davis was hired as the local Boys and Girls Club's first executive director in 2006. The nonprofit, which has centers in Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, has been inducted to the Idaho Hall of Fame.
"We can never give up on our young people," he told The Press in an earlier interview. "What a great responsibility we have, helping develop kids' lives. Once you get involved, it never really leaves you. It's like a big family."
Davis serves on the Idaho Workforce Development Council Youth Committee and for Coeur d'Alene Rotary. He also served on the chamber of commerce board for 10 years and as an elder at Heart of the City Church.
The other chamber award winners included:
- Scot Frazer, Volunteer of the Year;
- Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty, Heritage Award;
- Heritage Health, Spirit of Post Falls Award;
- Ace Hardware, Business of the Year (50 or more employees); and
- Upscale Mail, Small Business of the Year (up to 49 employees).
Frazer, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is a chamber of commerce board member, founding member of the Combat Veteran Riders, president of the Washington Fallen Heroes Project and board member of Time of Remembrance.
He is vice president of sales and marketing for the Swiss Tech metal part manufacturer.
"His dedication is matched only by his humility," said Jamé Davis.
Schneidmiller Realty, which opened in 1973 in a little house on Spokane Street, has grown to 208 full-time agents, a residential and commercial division and 11 full-time staff members.
The company's sales associates volunteer for more than 50 charities and the firm has donated more than $150,000 to several causes.
"Owner Gary Schneidmiller, a hometown boy, has built a company that succeeds in all the ways that matter," said Davis.
Heritage Health has been serving the area's low-income and uninsured population since 1985 and established a health care facility in Post Falls. It collaborates with local organizations to offer resources to its patients and was inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame.
"Heritage Health believes health care should be accessible and affordable for everyone regardless of insurance and ability to pay," said Woodworth. "Founder Lidwin Dirne would be gratified to know that her passion for serving the community has evolved to such an innovative model."
Ace opened as a family-owned business in 1979. It now has three stores in Kootenai County. Owners Sandy, Nancy and Brett Seright and their leadership team has served on chamber of commerce boards and several committees.
"They have cultivated a company philosophy of service by engaging employees through programs such as River City Leadership Academy," said Woodworth. "Their quiet but generous and longstanding contributions of time, talent and treasure to so many local charitable organizations is inspiring."
Upscale Mail has been a chamber of commerce member since 2008. It has donated to local nonprofit and assists with community marketing efforts. Owner Mike Cook lives in Cheney, but keeps his business and volunteer efforts in Post Falls.
The Boys and Girls Club honored photographer Jerome Pollos as its Volunteer of the Year, while the Living Coeur d'Alene Property Group was recognized as its Business of the Year.
The Post Falls Food Bank honored Mike Fettig (aka "Mr. Fix It") as its Volunteer of the Year and Alliance Data as its Business of the Year.