At right: Dick Nye was named the 2008 Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Mr. Nye received the award at the chamber's annual banquet Wednesday, November 5. Longtime community volunteer Dick Nye of Cedarville was named the 2008 Citizen of the Year by the Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce at its annual banquet Wednesday, November 5. Mr. Nye was surprised and excited to be selected by chamber members. The event was held at Ang-Gio's Restaurant in Cedarville.

"It feels good, but I'm more of a guy that likes to be behind the scenes," he said.

Nominees for the award were chosen based on their dedication, inspiration, and hard work in the Les Cheneaux area over the years.

Mr. Nye is an unsung hero of the Les Cheneaux community, who loves the area, said chamber board member Dana Torsky.

"It seems he's always been there avoiding the limelight, but always a strong volunteer," she said.

Mr. Nye, owner of Nye Construction Company, served on the chamber board as a director for 12 years, and has also been involved in the Les Cheneaux Snowmobile Club, Les Cheneaux Sportsman's Club, Antique Boat Show Committee, and Boy Scouts.

Being involved in the community has its ups and downs, he said, but, overall, it feels good to participate and contribute. Having fun and making friends at events is what keeps him so active in the community, he said.

Looking to the future of the Les Cheneaux business community, Mr. Nye said he would like to see more younger people get involved with the chamber and start new businesses.

Mr. Nye, who lives in Hessel with his wife, Donna, has operated Nye Construction for about 20 years. He is a third-generation builder, and the business has been in his family for more than 50 years.

Chamber president Diane Patrick presented three goals the chamber hopes to achieve in 2009. She said the chamber is looking to increase membership and the number of active participants and attract the next generation of businesses.

The chamber is also considering starting morning gatherings to brainstorm ideas and increase community networking.

Past citizen of the year winners include Linda Sherlund (2007), Bruce Patrick (2006), Keith Kester (2005), and Tom Moore (2004). Chamber board members are not eligible for nomination.

Chamber board members include Diane Patrick, president, Dan Autore, vice president, Joanne Waybrant, secretary and treasurer, Mike Schaeffer, Jon Steinbach, Dana Torsky, Denis Fox, Stacy Honnila, and Shannon Thon. Immediate past president is Tom Haske.