I am deeply honored Children’s Home Society of Washington in Spokane County received the Small Business of the Year award in the West Plains Chamber of Commerce 2017 Best of the West.

Eric Dotson, clinical supervisor for Children’s Home Society of Washington, and I attended this year's annual Best of the West Awards Gala on April 14. With more than 260 attendees, this was the largest event the West Plains Chamber of Commerce had ever hosted.

The Best of the West Awards celebrate businesses, individuals and service members from the Fairchild Air Force Base who have gone above and beyond, making the community a better place to work, live and play.

Businesses are nominated and then voted on by members of the chamber.  These businesses demonstrate outstanding customer service and dedication, while providing innovative ideas, growth through the creation of additional jobs, and volunteerism in the West Plains area.

We are grateful to be recognized for the impact we are contributing in the community and for making generational changes in helping break the cycles of poverty. Our goal is to help families become successful. Eric, myself and the staff all feel the work we do is very rewarding. It means a lot that to be appreciated.

Way to go Spokane!

Rick Purcell serves as the community director for Spokane County.