More Chamber Of Commerce Award Winners

Sonora, Ca — Part of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce´s annual Installation and Honors Banquet is recognizing area leaders for their contribution to the community.

Tuolumne County Public Works Director Peter Rei was presented the Excellence in Government Award. Rei has held the position of Public Works Director since 1999, and is the incoming President of the County Engineers Association of California. He considers his greatest professional accomplishments to be securing funding for the East Sonora Bypass Stage II project, surviving the closure of the Jamestown Landfill, serving as Project Manager for the Humboldt County Jail and acting as Project Surveyor of the Bayshore Mall in Eureka.

Sonora High´s Rick Francis was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award. The 1966 Sonora High Graduate began his professional career at the school in 1971. Francis has been a teacher for 37 years, Varsity Basketball Coach for 33 and Athletic Director for 28. He was instrumental in securing new field turf in 2003 and is on the committee focused on getting a new all-weather track.

Longtime resident Hope Hill, who recently passed away, was recognized as a Citizen of the Year in Memorial. Her daughter Sallie accepted the award on her behalf. Hill was a driving force behind programs for senior citizens, public transportation and non-profit business incubators for start-up businesses.

Daniel Vuyovich, Graphic Designer at Black Oak Casino, was given a surprise award for creating the logo for the 100th Anniversary.

Written by BJ Hansen