Edmond Chamber of Commerce gives awards

of Nichols Travel and the nonprofit Parents Helping Parents, were given the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year award.

“In today’s society, nonprofit organizations play an invaluable role," said Sherry Jordan, chamber president and CEO. "The Edmond community is fortunate to have Pat and Vickie Nichols and their organization, Parents Helping Parents, offering hope and education to families dealing with addiction."

The honor was presented during the recent awards banquet held on the University of Central Oklahoma campus. executive director of the Edmond Public Schools Foundation, was named woman of the year, sponsored by Prosperity Bank. Katrina Shaklee and Mariana Lloyd were finalists.

"Over the course of my 25-year career, I've had the blessing of being mentored by amazing women," Dickinson said. "I hold the strong belief it is our responsibility to give forward what we've received.

"I don't always have the right answers, but I often find being a good listener is the best way to be a successful mentor. In so many ways, mentoring others, I believe, helps me as much as it helps them."

received the volunteer of the year award, sponsored by Integris Health Edmond.

Van Osdol was honored for his leadership and dedication to the chamber and community. He helped start the Small Business Owners Alliance. He serves on the Small Business Council and is a member of Edmond Locally Owned.

Ambassador of the year award went to with Clarity Coaching. This is the second year in a row Qualls won the award, sponsored by Mercy Health Edmond.

Edmond Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers who mentor chamber members and attend ribbon-cuttings, events and special meetings.

Ambassador of the year is awarded to the ambassador who is able to attend the highest number of goodwill calls, ribbon-cuttings groundbreaking during the year.

founder and CEO of Myriad Insight, was named young professional of the year, sponsored by OU Medical Center Edmond.

This award is given to a young professional who demonstrates leadership, provides service to his or her business or profession, gives back to the community, exhibits initiative and creativity and serves as a role model for young people, personally and professionally.

The small business of the year award, sponsored by Arvest Bank, went to

Other finalists were Land Enterprises Roofing and Optique Vision Center.

The philanthropic business of the year was given to The award was sponsored by RCB Bank.

Every month, Perk Place chooses a local charity or organization to highlight and takes donations for the organization. The amount raised is presented at the end of the month. The business has donated more than $30,000 in two years.

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