Hayden Chamber champions

The Hayden Chamber of Commerce's 2021 Volunteer of the Year always knows when she's needed most.

"The 2021 Volunteer of the Year defines the meaning of the word ‘volunteer,’” Hayden Chamber President/CEO Andrea Fulks said early Thursday morning.

"She is very passionate, will do whatever is needed to make the event or program a success. She’s an amazing and incredible woman and is the best-kept secret because she is behind the scenes kind of worker," Fulks said. "It's time she gets the recognition she deserves."

The room cheered for STCU branch manger Carmen Hagenbarth, who received an elegant glass award to honor her service.

"Can you believe it!?" Hagenbarth said with a smile of pleasant and humble surprise. "I'm still in shock."

Messages of service to others, kindness, appreciation and compassion were sent throughout the Hayden Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting and awards breakfast, held at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn.

The chamber's new chair, Anita Parisot, challenged her colleagues to not just write checks and raise money for causes, but "to get on the ground and find out what people need today."

"What does Children’s Village need today? What does the Boys and Girls Club need today? What does Safe Passage need today? We’ll do the sponsorships, we’ll do all the fundraising, but what do these people need today to get through today?” she asked.

The Hayden chamber is there for its members, businesses and community, she said.

"We’re going to touch and find out what you need today to be successful, how we can help you today to be successful," Parisot said. "We will be humble in everything we do with you, and I promise we’ll always be so grateful and blessed for the fact that you’re out here with us. Everything we do is going to be driven by love, compassion and kindness."

Other honorees:

2021 Business of the Year: Maximum Exposure, owned by Josh Scott

2021 President CEO award: Kyle Rutley with Wake Media