PORT ANGELES — Paul and Sarah Cronauer’s investment in remodeling The Landing mall on the waterfront earned them the 2008 Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce President’s Award on Monday.
Dave Neupert, the chamber’s 2008 president, said he selected the Cronauers because “they have not only shown that you can go to work every day together and still have a successful marriage, but they also have spent a great deal of time and money in order to improve this entire region and in particular that part of downtown.”
Paul Cronauer said he was surprised by the honor.
“This comes as a very big shock to both me and my wife,” he said during Monday’s ceremony at the chamber’s weekly luncheon meeting at the Port Angeles CrabHouse Restaurant.
“I’m sure that everyone in the community knows that without Sarah, this never would have happened.
“It is a great thing to be from Port Angeles and be working to make it into something even better.”
$1 million renovation
The 25-year-old complex at 115 E. Railroad Ave. underwent a $1 million renovation, Cronauer said.
The couple gave the outside a multicolored paint job and are working on a new entrance facade.
The interior is being remodeled, and several new businesses — such as a wine store and art galleries — have opened.
Also at Monday’s chamber meeting, the Member Extraordinaire Award, presented by Executive Director Russ Veenema, was given to the Port Angeles Ambassadors, a group of civic-minded women and men who attend grand openings and other chamber functions to represent the chamber.
Veenema surprised the Ambassadors by telling them that they would be helping to present the award at Monday’s luncheon.
But once in front of the audience, he announced that they were the recipients.
“At first I wasn’t sure who I thought should win the award, but then I saw this group with the red ribbon opening up Hurricane Ridge Road, and it became obvious to me that they are the ones that deserve it this year,” he said.
“Thank you for your outstanding contribution and the extra effort you provide on behalf of the community.”
The Ambassadors include Dana Siebel, Fran Feeley, Helen Elwood, Howard Fisher, Leslie Fisher, Andi Feeley Hefton, Ann Ashley, Cherie Kidd, Claudia Engstrom, Jeri Bawden, Julie Hatch, Karon ¬ÂNichols, Laurie Szczepczynski, Linty Hopie, Lynda Williams, Martha Ireland, Mikki Saunders, Peggy Hansen, Sue Ackerman and Ruth Fox.
Monthly awards
Monthly chamber awards were also handed out at the luncheon, which was attended by about 100 people.
The Beautification Award was given to McCrorie Carpet One for its remodel of the building in which the business has been stationed for 25 years.
The Business of the Month Award went to radio KONP-AM for its recent move from downtown Port Angeles to 721 E. First St.
The chamber also welcomed newly installed President Betsy Reed Schultz.
“I never expect to be able to fill those shoes of the presidents before me,” said Reed Schultz, who owns The Tudor Inn bed and breakfast.
“But I do have plenty of shoes — at least one pair for each of the next 52 weeks.
“If I need my boots, I have those for the trenches, and I’ll wear those for your best interests.”
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
