OTTAWA — Outgoing Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce chair Troy Gavel got more recognition than he expected Saturday evening during the annual chamber banquet and awards ceremony. Following his remarks, his girlfriend Melanie Herkin-Johnson took the microphone and declared that she had found someone she felt was worth keeping — him. She then delighted the crowd when she went down on one knee and proposed. He accepted the award. Other awards — Ottawa attorney Blaine Finch received the Russell Crites Award and Steve Hasty the Community Builder Award from the chamber. Joy Beatty was named Ambassador of the Year. Mark Cation received the Quarterly Image Award. Turner Flowers and Country Store received the Entrepreneur Award. Sherri Lund received the Smile Award.
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Monday, Jan. 23, 1 p.m.
