Nineteen nominees who have demonstrated community service and business leadership honored at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce's annual awards brunch on Sunday, March 6.

Plus, a special "mystery" award is to be bestowed, noted Teresa Verraes, Chamber executive director.

New this year is the addition of keynote speaker Congressman Derek Kilmer.

The awards brunch is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, March 6 at Nora Porter Commons at Fort Worden. Tickets, $40, include brunch, a mimosa and a raffle ticket. A no-host bar is available, along with additional raffle tickets for purchase. Call 385-7869 for tickets.

For 2015, the nominees are:

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Gabriella Ashford, Karen and Rich Ciccarone, Norm Johnson, Kelly Liske and Laurie Liske, Earll Murman, Steve Rafoth, Shelly and Jeff Randall and Marianne Walters.

BUSINESS LEADERS: Rocky Friedman of the Rose Theatre, Sherri and Pete Hanke of Puget Sound Express, and Sue Ohlson and Bill Curtsinger of Sunrise Coffee Co.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: Amy Smith Howard of the Boiler Room, Danny Milholland of Thunderbull Productions and Dominic Svornich of Kitsap Bank and the Cellar Door.

Last year, Gee Heckscher was named the 2014 Port Townsend Citizen of the Year, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear was named Young Professional of the year and Heather Dudley-Nolette was named Business Leader of the Year.

The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is composed of business members in Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock, Chimacum and Irondale.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

The Citizen of the Year award can go to anyone whose work has been focused inside of Jefferson County. The work must be volunteer only, not a paid position. The award goes to those whose work was most notable in 2015, but it can also take into account other years of volunteer activity. A couple can be nominated, but not a group or organization, according to nomination guidelines. Nominees for 2015 are:

GABRIELLA ASHFORD

Gabriella "Gabi" Ashford has earned statewide recognition for her efforts in the past several years to lead the Port Townsend 4-H STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program. The club's "robotics" team of students from elementary and middle school last year competed for the state championship in the FIRST Lego League, the organization overseeing local, national and international robotics competitions. The team representing Port Townsend High School advanced to the national competition; that program is now part of the 4-H STEM Club, too. "Jefferson County robotics have been ahead of their time compared to other local initiatives ... because of Gabi's tenacity," wrote Heather Flanagan in a nomination letter.

KAREN & RICH CICCARONE

Rich and Karen Ciccarone exemplify what it means to give back to a community, wrote David Goldsmith in a nomination letter. The couple moved here more than 10 years ago, and both got involved with Rotary International as volunteers. Karen has served as a guardian ad-litem for Jefferson County courts, joined JC MASH to help with community health care, and joined the board of the Boiler Room. She spearheaded a program to bring mental health services to at-risk youths. The couple led the Rotary Fund a Cause focus for the redevelopment of Camp Beausite near Chimacum, which resulted in Rotary donating $31,800 to purchase a new roof and furnace for the camp's main building, wrote Claudia Edmondson in a nomination letter. Both were volunteers at the summer camp, serve on the entity's strategic planning community, and Karen also volunteers to help develop a corp of volunteer nurses to aid camp staff.

Rich has been active with Olympic Peninsula Community Action Programs. "Under his leadership he has guided OlyCAP through the very difficult financial times of the 'great recession," Goldsmith wrote, "requiring a restructuring of programs and program delivery." Rich serves on the Key City Public Theatre board as treasurer and finance committee chair. A former Big Brother, YMCA board member and current volunteer caseworker for Home fund assistance, Rich works behind the scenes and on the front line. Their service is often funneled through Rotary projects, including support for the Jefferson PUD Power Boost Program, and the winter shelter expansion in Port Townsend. "Rich and Karen exemplifies Rotary's motto of 'Service above Self' with their tireless efforts to assist youth, those less fortunate and enhance the full fabric of our community," Goldsmith wrote.

NORM JOHNSON

Norm Johnson and his wife, Sol, are the driving force behind "Concerts in the Woods" at the L.B. Johnson (no relation) Community Center in Coyle, about 35 miles south of Port Townsend. Since starting the project in the fall of 2009, they have hosted more than 110 shows featuring visiting musical acts, noted Karen Gale Mon in a nomination letter. Along with all the marketing and scheduling work it takes to book high-quality acts for all-ages shows, Norm also hosts renowned music teachers "who bring education and culture to our remote and rural community." Additionally, on behalf of the Jefferson County Food Bank, Norm is now involved in the "PPatch to Plate" initiative with volunteers growing food for community distribution through the Food Bank, and also to harvest, prepare and serve at a new weekly lunch program.

LAURIE LISKE & KELLY LISKE

Laurie Liske and her daughter-in-law, Kelly Liske, have been the mainstays behind the non-profit Christmas for Children program which in 2015 served more than 600 children in Jefferson County. The program serving the Tri-Area was started 40 years ago by Janice Schauer, Laurie's mother, and has been run the last 20 years by Laurie and Kelly. The duo "work hundreds and hundreds of hours each year coordinating fundraising, donations, team-building with organizations like Toys for Tots, Kiwanis, Rotary, DSHS, Jumping Mouse, Dove House and others," wrote Marianne Walters in a nomination letter. The effort is tremendous, and has expanded beyond the original program. "These two have done this year after year, giving of themselves during what is a very hectic time of the year anyway," Walters noted.

EARLL MURMAN

Murman is the driving force behind the JeffCo Aquatic Coalition which has expanded all-age swimming options including sponsorship of 32 swim scholarships at the Mountain View pool in 2015, noted Janis Fisler in a nomination letter. He works with other public entities to bring a full-service YMCA to Jefferson County, is facilitating a joint effort of public health officials to develop strategies for prevention of chronic disease in this community, and is a tireless volunteer in recruiting volunteers.

He has supported many small businesses here through his work with the Local Investment Opportunity Network (LIONs), noted Erica Delma in a nomination letter. "His advocacy for aquatics and aquatic facilities in our community is evident," she noted. Along with his support for the YMCA and swimming activities, Murman leads LEAN workshops for non-profit and business leaders to facilitate community development, and is a board member with the Jefferson County Community Foundation. "Earll has even washed dishes, diligently, for the YMCA Summer Meals Program."

STEVE RAFOTH

Steve Rafoth "has been a major contributor to the citizens and well being of Jefferson County with both hands-on volunteer effort as well as financial support," wrote Hilda Anderson in a nomination letter. The former owner of Enclume Design of Port Hadlock is in his third year as president of the United Good Neighbors (UGN) board, and a board member for six years. UGN is the single largest umbrella organization that channels donations and other funds to programs and projects that serve Jefferson County residents. He initiated the creation of a supplemental/emergency reserve fund to help health and social-service programs that need a boost outside of the regular UGN funding cycle. He co-chairs the UGN–Jefferson County Community Foundation Collaboration Committee to strengthen the partnership. He has been a driving force with JC MASH, the volunteer-based organization that provides free health care services to people in need, and is currently the group's president. Together with John Brewer, former publisher of the Peninsula Daily News in Port Angles, Rafoth founded the Heart of Service Award 11 years ago which has recognized and honored community leaders in Jefferson and Clallam counties. An active member and officer with the Port Townsend Noon Rotary Club, Rafoth has played a major role in securing grants in support of international humanitarian projects. "Steve has always shunned the spotlight," Anderson wrote. "It is time we focused it on him."

SHELLY & JEFF RANDALL

Jeff Randall was the public leader of campaigns to pass a City of Port Townsend bond issue in January 2015 to renovate Mountain View Commons, and also a spearhead in the committee that led, in February 2016, to approval of a Port Townsend School District bond to build a new elementary school. Jeff and Shelly "have worked tirelessly on both bond proposals and have pulled together a strong network of supporters," wrote Sarah McNulty in a nomination letter. "Their efforts have created a knowledgeable electorate and a community that is supporting the diverse needs of our town."

Shirley Moss wrote of the Mountain View bond, "I don't believe the bond would have passed without their efforts."

MARIANNE WALTERS

Marianne Walters is "phenomenal and an angel to many," wrote Laurie Liske in a nomination letter. She has been secretary of Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary for a number of years, "always the first to volunteer for community projects including providing dictionaries for every third-grade student in Jefferson County, proctoring SAT exams, hosting dinner parties to raise money for youth exchange, and has being a host family for an inbound student. She has given "countless hours" collecting and distributing gifts for the Christmas for Children program. "She is always reaching out to help and take on tasks to help others with their workload," Liske wrote. "Her famous saying is, 'but I am the retired one.'"

As a member of the Choral Belles of Port Ludlow, she gives time to practice and perform with the group at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in Jefferson, Clallam and Kitsap counties. She is a volunteer at Chimacum High School, and travels with students to Olympia for the 4-H Know Your Government program, along with other activities for youth and senior citizens.

BUSINESS LEADER

Nominees for the Tim Caldwell Business Leader of the Year must be a Jefferson County business owner and a member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. The business leader awards are judged by a selection panel made up of chamber staff and volunteers. Nominees are:

SHERRI & PETE HANKE, PUGET SOUND EXPRESS

A nomination letter from Christina Pivarnik touts Puget Sound Express as a "legacy" business now operated by second-generation owners Pete and Sherri Hanke (Pete began working with his father, Pete Sr., in 1981). The company provides whale-watching tours, passenger ferry service from Port Townsend to Friday Harbor, and charter tours. The co-owners work side-by-side with staff on their boats and in their office at Point Hudson, and have invested in additional boats and crew. Sherri has served on the City of Port Townsend's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for at least 15 years. Pete is in his second term as a Port of Port Townsend commissioner representing District 2. The business has exhibited environmental stewardship, and marketing awareness by providing whale-watching videos and monitors installed at the Port Townsend Visitor Information Center and at Fort Worden.

"Puget Sound Express is one of our legacy businesses that should be acknowledged for the hundreds of visitors they bring to Port Townsend annually, positively affecting our retail businesses, restaurants, accommodations and other attractions," Pivarnik wrote. "They contribute to our community's bottom line in a gracious, positive, lucrative way."

ROCKY FRIEDMAN, ROSE THEATRE

Rocky Friedman drew nominations from Doug Van Allen, Janette Force and Kate Franco. Force described the Rose Theatre as a "cultural icon in Port Townsend, the reason that hundreds, if not thousands of folks cite as the motivation for relocating here." She said Friedman's vision has made access to world culture available to patrons and to many organizations and entities. His practice of hiring promising high school students "has the unexpected benefit, years later, of calling these young families home to Port Townsend where they now find good employment as managers at the Rose."

Friedman is a founder of the Port Townsend Film Festival, a signature sponsor and a board member. He has been "ahead of the curve" with things like establishing the Starlight Room venue, and shifting to a membership-driven organization. He is a founding investor in the Jefferson County Community Foundation, and quietly yet consistently supports local nonprofits through in-kind and financial support.

Kate Franco wrote that the Rose was the reason she decided to settle in Port Townsend more than 10 years ago. "The Rose, for me, is the center of that special community spirit in many regards." She appreciates his broad support for local fundraising efforts, and his commitment to bringing in films that may not always bring in huge audiences, but bring in people who may otherwise not visit a movie theater.

SUE OHLSON & BILL CURTSINGER, SUNRISE COFFEE CO.

Earll Murman and Emmet Wolfe prepared the official nomination for Sunrise Coffee Co., which included letters of support from 15 other businesses, individuals and agencies.

Sunrise Coffee Co. "is an exemplary business" from top to bottom: management, product development and marketing, employee satisfaction, environmental awareness, and customer delight.

Sue Ohlson acquired the business in 1997 and together with her partner, Bill Curtsinger, has demonstrated "a constant progression of entrepreneurial activities." Coffee blends are named for customers or charities. The business relocated to a larger and more visible space at the Port Townsend Boat Haven, and has excelled at marketing, which broadens customer base. Currently in the works is a plan to sell their product at Safeway and to package it in pouches suitable for in-room coffee brewing in hotels and other accommodations.

Sunrise employee input is valued, and "turnover is virtually non-existent," it was noted, and the owners mentor and look out for their staff beyond the workplace. The purchase of a new roaster in 2015 doubled production capacity, which positions them for future growth. Being a community-minded business, donations to local festivals, fundraising and school-based efforts are plentiful. "They are the epitome of a community-based business that strives for excellence in all respects."

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Nominees for the Young Professional of the Year Award must be a Jefferson County business owner, manager or director; younger than 45 years of age; and must represent a member business of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Nominees for 2015 are:

AMY SMITH HOWARD

Amy Smith Howard's work as executive director of the Boiler Room, which she credits with helping turn her life around when she arrived in Port Townsend as a homeless teenager, makes a huge impact here, said David Faber in a nomination letter. "Over the last year, Amy has brought in an unbelievable number of major donations and foundation grants to eliminate nearly all of the Boiler Room's debt. And she's done all of this while helping turn the Boiler Room's public reputation from one of general derision to one of broad respect and admiration," Faber wrote.

The Boiler Room was founded in 1993 as an alcohol- and drug-free gathering spot for youth and youth adults. Smith was a patron once, and now she is the leader. Under her guidance, the Boiler Room's job-training program, which involves about 60 people a year, "has been given structure and standards," noted Earll Murman in a nomination letter.

Howard volunteers on the Port Townsend Main Street board, with United Good Neighbors of Jefferson County, and with the Port Townsend Rotary Club. Last year she won election to the Port Townsend City Council.

DANIEL MILHOLLAND

Danny Milholland, who operates Thunderbull Productions, is nominated as being a hometown kid who has become a successful business entrepreneur. In 2015, his business staged four free, all-ages events: The Cake Picnic at the Rhododendron Festival; an open house and Fourth of July spectacular at Fort Worden, and the All-County Picnic.

"His natural enthusiasm is a magnetic force, all its own," said Judy Alexander in a nomination letter. "He is particularly gifted in staging, effectively, all-ages events."

Milholland's organization skills are supreme, wrote Kellen Lynch in a nomination letter. "The support and momentum that Danny has maintained in his entrepreneurial work is primarily due to his continual collaboration with other professionals in our county. He has grown his network to include many mentors, this being a more holistic approach to crowd-sourcing."

DOMINIC SVORNICH

"Dominic Svornich exemplifies what it is to be a young professional in Jefferson County," wrote Frank DePalma in a nomination letter. As manager of Kitsap Bank's Port Townsend branch, he "consistently receives accolades for outstanding achievement." DePalma serves with Svornich on the Jefferson Cannabis board, "where he provides crucial candid financial advice during this complex startup phase" of marijuana-related businesses. DePalma praises the work of Dominic and his wife, Stephanie, with their Cellar Door nightclub, and credits him with helping to make the Main Street Program's "Concerts on the Dock" summer series a stabilized success.