Photo by Jessica Keller
Bill Whitham, center, the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Volunteer Excellence Award recipient, receives a standing ovation from those atrending the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce Awards ceremony Feb. 7 at Bizarre Brewing in Magnolia.
The Chamber of Commerce created the award in 2022 to recognize a community volunteer whose efforts made the neighborhood a better place. Whitham, who is active in his church and the community, served as the chamber treasurer for a number of years and is now a chamber ambassador.
‘We need a lot more Bill Whitham’s who do so much for our community,’ Chamber CEO Jason Thibeaux said.
The chamber also awarded this year’s Person of the Year to Doug Maimakis and Cinde Ennis for resurrecting Magnolia Fest during Seattle’s Sea Fair weekend last summer after the event was postponed during the pandemic. More than 2,000 children came through the bounce house; more than 70 vendors and 17 food trucks participated; 5,000-plus beer sales were made; and more than 200 hours of volunteer time went into Magnolia Fest last summer.
This year’s Magnolia Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award went to Courean Napolitano, owner of Vixen, a spa and boutique in Magnolia. Napolitano, who opened a second store in Queen Anne this summer, has been an active member of the chamber and the community since opening many years ago and a sponsor for the Winterfest and Vino in the Village events. She has also been active on the Reimagine Magnolia Village Beautification efforts as a member of the committee.