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Community Awards Winners

Chip Duggan Named Homer’s Citizen of the Year; Best Western Bidarka Inn Named Business of the Year for 2008

Chip Duggan, owner of Duggan's Waterfront Irish Pub was named the 2008 Citizen of the Year at the Homer Chamber of Commerce Community Awards program on Thursday, February 5th, hosted by the Homer News, celebrating 45 years of service to Homer. Also honored, was Doug Johnson, owner of Best Western Bidarka Inn, as the Business of the year.

The winners were determined by vote of the community, which was open to all residence of the Homer. Other nominees for 2008 Outstanding Citizen of the Year were Peg Coleman, Derotha Ferraro and Barb Glidden. The Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual for their continuing service to the community, who has donated countless hours of public service to a wide variety of organizations and causes which benefit the entire community.

Other nominees for 2008 Outstanding Business of the Year were Homer' Physical Therapy and Moore & Moore Services. The Business of the Year Award is presented to a business which has supported community activities and organizations above and beyond what would normally be expected from a local business and provides a worthy product or service to their customers and employees.

A special dedication to the late Jean Keene was presented by John Faulkner, owner of Land's End Resort.

Thank you to everyone who attended to support the community and the Chamber of Commerce.

A little background on both honorees:

Chip Duggan

Homer, Alaska became home to Chip Duggan in 1983. Once firmly ensconced in this Hamlet by the Sea, Chip rolled up his sleeves and has yet to slow down. Being a devoted father, Chip is often the first to raise his hand to get the job done. Coaching Hockey and serving on the Homer Hockey Board of Directors to name but two roles; Chip leads a life of service.

Having known the impact dementia can have on a family, Chip has taken up the cause in a serious but fun way: Darts for Dementia raises money every year for this important search for a cure. When asked to represent Homer as a Board Member for the Kenai Peninsula's only sports team, the Oilers, Chip willingly sacrificed his Saturday mornings to attend the Soldotna meetings. Wanting to keep the economy strong here in Homer, Chip also is an active member of the CHARR organization working on behalf of the Restaurants, Hotels and other visitor industries.

Never a dull moment to be found at Chips Historic Duggan's Pub; maintaining the traditional flavor of this landmark pub and eatery. Chip has invested in preserving this OLD TOWN TREASURE for the past ten years. As Commander of the Son's of the American Legion for six years running, Chip is involved with raising funds for a variety of youth oriented groups in the Homer area. Ask anyone who has worked with Chip from Pop Warner Football to the professional and charitable organizations that he is so instrumentally involved with and they will tell you that Chip Duggan is a fun guy who takes Concept of Service to a whole new level.

Best Western Bidarka

Best Western Bidarka was built in stages starting in the 70's. There were at least two previous owners before the Jack and Judy Johnson family of Kodiak bought the Bidarka Inn in September of 2000 from Bob Hunt. Since the purchase, the property has been remodeled in stages, much of which can be seen in the exterior work. The Bidarka Inn continually strives to better themselves and their relationship with the community. They have a firm belief in neighbors helping neighbors when possible. We are avid supporters and members of many local non-profits, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Homer Hockey, the Pratt Museum, Homer High Boosters, Homer Rotary, Blood Bank, Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, Hospice of Homer, Snomads, Popeye Wrestling and many more causes supporting the community, children and the outdoors. Upon learning of their nomination, Doug Johnson, the Bidarka's Vice President, said "Homer is a beautiful place to live and we are very fortunate to be located in such a diverse community. We are extremely honored and thank you for your consideration of the Bidarka Inn for business of the year".