Farmer was introduced Monday night by Phil Rollins, the Person of the Year for 2011 and longtime owner of downtown retailer Archibald Sisters.
Rollins noted in his prepared remarks that Farmer’s funny personality always is on display at the many events he emcees.
“He never seems to have a bad day,” Rollins said.
Farmer said he was “really, really humbled” to receive the award.
“I’m honored to be part of this community,” he told an audience of about 50 business owners and community leaders who had gathered for the meeting.
Also recognized Monday:
• Business of the Year: Lucky Eagle Casino and General Manager John Setterstrom.
• Volunteer of the Year: Mark Furman of Heritage Bank.
Lucky Eagle Casino was praised for its contributions to the entire county, while 2008 Person of the Year winner Blake Lindskog, also of Heritage Bank, accepted the award on behalf of Furman. Furman was unable to attend because he injured himself while skiing, Lindskog said.
Furman was recognized for his work with the ODA’s Music in the Park series.
“He has been an amazing person for downtown,” Lindskog said.
Before the awards were announced, Capital Playhouse actors performed a scene from an upcoming musical production called, “Next to Normal.” This was followed by a presentation on several historical sites that have been identified along Capitol Way for inclusion in an Olympia heritage corridor project.
Last year’s winner was Ruth Snyder, a former downtown code enforcement officer for the City of Olympia. Past winners choose who the next winner will be.
PERSON OF THE YEAR WINNERS
2013: Jerry Farmer.
2012: Ruthie Snyder.
2011: Phil Rollins.
2010: Janis Dean.
2009: Ray LaForge.
2008: Blake Lindskog.
2007: Larry Kessel.
2006: Kerry McHugh.
2005: Jeanne Carras.
2004: Jeffrey Trinin.
2003: Steve Cooper.
2002: Tim Koehler.
2001: Chris Gowdey.
2000: Paul Seabert.
Rolf Boone: 360-754-5403 rboone@theolympian.com theolympian.com/bizblog Source: Olympia Downtown Association
