ELY – The Ely Chamber of Commerce honored businesses and individuals for their contributions to the Ely community at the annual Celebrate Ely dinner last Thursday.
The winners in the various categories are as follows:

Good Neighbor
The Ely Veterinary Clinic was honored with the Good Neighbor Business Award for its contribution to the community. “There are few individuals in this room, if you’re from Ely or the surrounding area, who have not brought a loved one to their facility,” noted chamber board member Tanner Spicer, who presented the award to veterinarian Alison Pace on behalf of the clinic. Spicer pointed out that clinic founder Chip Hanson provides free round-the-clock care and supplies for Ely’s WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race every year. The clinic also provides the care for the Contented Critters animal shelter. “Their reputation extends well outside of the Ely area to the North Shore, Minneapolis, and beyond,” he said.

Customer Service
Bob Hendrickson received the Excellence in Customer Service award. “This year’s recipient has a long history at [Grand Ely Lodge],” said Spicer. “His passion for providing excellent quality customer service is unwavering. This individual not only excels in customer service, he provides excellent leadership in the area of food and beverages at Grand Ely Lodge. He treats both customers and staff with respect. Rate surveys frequently say Bob’s customer service is amazing.”

Community Spirit
The Ely Winter Festival was this year’s winner of the Jackpine Bob Cary Community Spirit Award, named for the well-known Ely author and outdoors enthusiast “Jackpine” Bob Cary. It honors a business or individual the embodies Cary’s love and promotion of the Ely area as a destination. “This year’s award recipient has a long history of promoting Ely through their annual event,” said Dafne Caruso, a chamber board member who presented the award. Caruso recapped the history of the event and its ability to draw thousands of visitors to the area during the coldest time of the year.

Volunteer of the Year
Tony Rechichi was the Volunteer of Year for his work as a guide at the nonprofit Veterans On the Lake Resort. “This year’s recipient is the commander of the Ely VFW and an active member of the Ely Color Guard,” noted Caruso. “He himself is a disabled Air Force Veteran who works with other Veterans to provide them the opportunity to experience the Ely outdoors. Our recipient spends countless hours volunteering as a fishing guide through Veterans On the Lake Resort. These are just a few of the things Tony Rechichi does for his community and fellow Veterans.”