SOUTH BEND -- The Pacific County Economic Development Council named seven Businesses of the Year for 2014 during its Annual Meeting on Nov. 12.
Beach Home Old and New in Ocean Park, Chen's Restaurant and Motel in South Bend, Coast Seafoods in South Bend, The Lightship Restaurant in Long Beach, Olde Towne Trading Post in Ilwaco, Oceanside Animal Clinic in Seaview and the Tokeland Hotel in Tokeland were presented with certificates by EDC President Nancy Gorshe of The Depot Restaurant and EDC Director Paul Philpot.
Gorshe said Bonnie Lou Cozby, owner of Beach Home, is very involved in the community.
"She was instrumental in organizing local studios, galleries and artists for projects such as the Art Walk," she said. "She was a driving force behind Not A Ban, A Better Plan, the group looking to rein in the chaos of the Fourth of July. It's the kind of business you want in your community."
Cozby accepted the award.
Chen's, nominated by the EDC's North Board, has been very supportive of community events, Gorshe said.
"Paul Chen donates gift certificates and money to various groups and events," she added. "The restaurant is a go-to spot for business lunches and meetings. It's a hot spot for tourists, providing good place to get a meal and a room for the night."
Philpot accepted the award on behalf of Chen.
Gorshe described Coast Seafoods as one of the larger employers in Pacific County.
"Tim Morris, Bill Holm and Vicky Meek are just three of the many people at Coast who help support community activities, including Labor Day events such as oyster eating, oyster shucking and the pole walk," she said. "Coast Seafoods is an example of a business growing and changing with the times.... "
Coast was nominated by the Willapa Harbor Chamber of Commerce; Morris accepted the award.
The Long Beach Merchants Association nominated the Lightship Restaurant.
The restaurant is always willing to step up when needed, Gorshe said. Owner Karl Hintz hosts meetings and donates time and resources when asked.
"They are community minded and extremely helpful," Gorshe continued.
Long Beach Mayor-elect Jerry Phillips accepted the award on behalf of Hintz.
The EDC South Board honored Seaview's Oceanside Animal Clinic.
"OAC has been a pillar business for our veterinarian needs for decades," Gorshe said. "Ed and Catherine have supported our community in many ways with sports booster support, education foundation, and various benefit functions. These are just a few of the many community events they have done for over 30 years...."
Olde Towne Trading Post, nominated by the Ilwaco Merchants Association, has had a consistent presence in Ilwaco for several years, Gorshe said. Old Towne is open year-round and is an important part of the Ilwaco community.
"Owner Luanne Hanes relocated her business within Ilwaco rather than leaving the city during the economic downturn," she added. "Olde Towne Trading Post is a prime example of a small business able to sustain itself by staying connected to the community."
Port of Ilwaco Director Guy Glenn Jr. accepted the award on behalf of Olde Towne.
The Tokeland-North Cove Chamber of Commerce nominated the Tokeland Hotel its owners' support of the community.
"Katherine and Scott White, owners of the Tokeland Hotel, are wonderful supporters of the area," Gorshe said. "They host Chamber events such as the Art Studio Tour and Wood and Art Fest."
The Wood and Art Fest was to be at the marina, Gorshe explained, but with good, early fishing filling the Festival area with trucks and boat trailers, Katherine and Scott allowed the Chamber to move the event to the Hotel grounds, even though the Hotel was booked solid.
The Whites accepted the award.