PORT ANGELES — Retiring Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Coordinator Louann Yager received a long standing ovation Monday for her 23 years of service to the chamber.
With the help of Executive Director Russ Veenema, Yager unraveled a sign that read “Thank you for a fabulous experience” during the chamber’s weekly luncheon at the Port Angeles CrabHouse Restaurant.
Veenema said Yager was a highly organized “historian” who excelled in customer service.
“Having Louann in the office with me was an invaluable resource,” said Veenema, who has been with the chamber for 10 years.
“Louann is definitely old school when it comes to work ethic and personal service.”
In her retirement, Yager plans to stay involved with Port Angeles civic clubs, travel and visit her children in California. Veenema presented Yager with a round-trip ticket to Seattle on Kenmore Air Express.
Yager also received a bottle of “Sparkling Twilight” wine from Olympic Cellars to remember the craze surrounding the popular series of books and movies based on the North Olympic Peninsula.
“This has been the most fabulous group of people that anyone could ever, ever spend your career with,” Yager said.
“I have cherished every moment, and I know I am going to enjoy the many years left in Port Angeles with all of you.”
After thanking the business and civic leaders in the audience, Yager encouraged the crowd of about 100 to keep smiling.
“I got to work with someone that I admired so much,” said Vanessa Fuller, chamber webmaster and events director.
“She is heart of the chamber.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.