John Turner

The year 2010 was the year of the Round-Up, so it was only fitting that at the 55th annual?Pendleton First Citizens Banquet at Wildhorse Casino and Resort honored the venerable Round-Up Association as its Business of the Year.

The Round-Up Association had a banner year in 2010 as it celebrated its centennial and set records for attendance and sales.

New Round-Up?President Dennis Hunt accepted the award flanked by his directors, all clad in black jackets and bright red ties.

I sort of feel like a 60s or 70s disc jockey because the hits keep on coming,?Hunt joked to laughs and applause. I just want to say to all of our volunteers ,this wouldnt happen without them. These awards that were getting are really for them.

The night had a festive atmosphere as 1999 woman of the year Karla Lewis presided over the ceremony.

Lewis invited U.S.?Rep. Greg Walden to speak, and Walden later came back to the stage to serve as an auctioneer. Walden managed to earn $2,400 for the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce as he auctioned off two flags that will fly over the U.S.?Capitol Building.

Pendleton holds a warm place in my life,?Walden said. Its wonderful you can get together and celebrate what makes this community so great.

Woman of the Year Debbie?McBee

A look of shock took over Debbie McBees face as she stepped onto the stage to accept her award. Perhaps it was because her daughter, Kelli, had made it back from Boston College to see her mother win the award.

Im a person thats really blessed, McBee said. One of my greatest blessings in my life is to have the family I have. One of the other great blessings is to be brought back to this town.

McBee does a little bit of everything in Pendleton. She is a member of the Pendleton School Board, volunteers for ASTRA and ASPIRE and chairs the Pendleton?Chamber of Commerce membership committee among numerous other projects and commitments.

Every person, and every community, would be blessed to have someone like her as their friend, inspiration and driving force, said presenter Maxine Tangney. Pendleton would not be the same without her.

Man of the Year Chuck Wood

After thunderous applaud and slaps on the back, Chuck?Wood stood in front of the enormous crowd gathered for the banquet and took a deep breath.

I dont know what to say, Wood said. Without exception there is no community like the one here.

He should know. Wood has lived all over the country, from Florida to San Francisco, but Pendleton grabbed his heart in 1999 when he moved here and hasnt let go.

Wood is a busy man these days. He volunteers for 15 organizations, including his church, the chamber, the school district, Main Street Cowboys and the Rotary Club.

On top of that, he also serves on the Pendleton?Planning Commission, a job that requires patience and a deep knowledge of the community.

There were 44 pages of letters of endorsement included in this impressive nomination, said 2010 winner Rod Parker. Every one had a story to tell about this man, his dedication, his personality and the warm and cheerful spirit he brings to everything he does.

Tourism Excellence Parley Pearce and Blair Woodfield, Hamley

As owners of one of Pendletons most well-known businesses, Parley Pearce and Blair Woodfield have turned the Hamley name into one synonymous with Pendleton and the Western lifestyle.

Pearce accepted the award and, reflecting on the hundreds of workers he has had over the years, said his current staff are the best hes ever employed.

A wonderful consequence of the development of this business on Main?Street has been the attraction of other Western businesses, other investments in restoring historic buildings and the beautification of the entire area, said presenter John Boston.

Employee of the Year Nancy?Minthorn, Wildhorse Resort and Casino

Nancy Minthorn has worked for Wildorse?Resort and Casino for 15 years and is a three-time employee of the month winner and was employee of the year for Wildhorse in 2006.

Thank you, thank you, thank you from my heart. Welcome to Wildhorse Casino, Minthorn said as she accepted her award. One of my favorite things about working here is meeting people and making friends.

Minthorn was described by presenter Stacy Stahl as an extraordinary woman who is able to handle crisis on the job, taking care of things others dont even see quickly and with great thoughtfulness.

Customer Service Excellence Ron and Debbie Bates, Frazier Office Supply

As the owners of Frazier Office Supply, Ron and Debbie Bates have earned a reputation in the community as business people willing to go above and beyond for their customers.

People from many sectors were all in agreement that this was a most deserving recipient and were surprised they hadnt already received this award, said presenter John Airoldi. Sometimes when we receive exceptional service over a long period of time we get spoiled and take it for granted.

Ron accepted the award, and he joked that when he was invited to the banquet he thought he would simply be a seat filler.

Its a great honor to get this award and be included with the folks who have won it in the past, he said. Customer service is our passion.

Boss of the Year John H. Turner, Blue Mountain Community College

Leading an institution charged with educating the community is a challenging job, but its one that John H. Turner has handled with grace.

He was described as an approachable boss who is in the business of developing employees by challenging, educating and mentoring them, said presenter Stuart Roberts,?Pendleton?chief of police.