The 2011 Business of the Year honor was awarded to Phil Blackburn, who bought the grocery store in 2007 from the Martin family. Blackburn quickly became an active member of the community. He has led several community fund-raising campaigns, including those for the Cashmere float, Cashmere Food Bank and efforts to purchase a new piano for the middle school this past year. Blackburn, who served as the 2011 Chamber president, also annually provides a scholarship to one graduating senior pursuing a career in music.

Nominations praised Martin’s for its continued financial contributions to community organizations, especially during these tough economic times. Many wrote of the respect Blackburn shows his employees, which then spills over from employees to customers.

“Martin’s Market Place is one of the most important businesses in our community,” wrote one nominator. “Phil Blackburn consistently supports community events and fundraisers and is an important member of the Chamber board. Martin’s Market Place is an anchor in the Cashmere community.”

Bob Wildfang, who spent more than 25 years as assistant superintendent of the Cashmere School District and later became a longtime volunteer in the schools and community, was named the 2011 Citizen of the Year.

Nominated by the teachers and administrators at Cashmere High School, Wildfang is most recognized in the community as a co-founder of the Cashmere Schools Foundation, which has provided tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Cashmere students. His community efforts also include running the FFA/4-H Youth Support Fund and spearheading the community float for several years.

“When it comes to the kids in Cashmere, they have no better friend than Bob Wildfang,” according to the nomination from the school district.

The two outstanding Cashmere citizens were chosen in January by a committee of seven of their peers following a community-wide nomination process in December.

Both Wildfang and Blackburn will be honored at the Cashmere Chamber of Commerce Annual Recognition Dinner and Auction, to be held 5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, March 9, at The Conservatory events center. Tickets for the event are $25 a person. Tickets go on sale Feb. 9 at the Chamber office, or will be available through a board member.

 “We are looking forward to another wonderful celebration on March 9 that honors two of the most giving people in our community,” said auction chairwoman Jan Meredith-Evans of Cashmere Cottage Yarn. “I encourage the community to come out and honor these two men and thank them for all they do for Cashmere.”