Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce

State Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn, 47th District) received the Bill Kyle Memorial Award for his elected service at the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce's fifth annual Recognition of Service dinner Wednesday at the Muckleshoot Casino.

"Sen. Fain has been a strong advocate for the Auburn-area business community," said Nancy Wyatt, chamber president and CEO. "We are happy to bestow this award on such a well-deserving legislator."

According to Wyatt, the award recognizes the efforts, commitments and achievements of an outstanding elected official that has thoughtfully included the employer community when making decisions that affect Auburn's livelihood, communities and citizens.

Before passing away in 2009, Bill Kyle lived in Auburn with his wife, Dolores, where he owned an insurance business and was heavily involved in the community. Kyle volunteered with the Auburn Food Bank, Auburn Rotary, South King County United Way and the Association of Washington Business among other organizations.

"It's so fitting that this award is given in memory of Bill Kyle," Fain said during Wednesday's event. "While some might think of a chamber of commerce as a business association fixated on profits and the bottom line, Bill knew and lived his belief that businesses have a responsibility to build stronger communities.

"The individuals and businesses in the Auburn Area Chamber demonstrate that commitment to all families in our community," Fain said, "and I am honored to be included on the list with the deserving past recipients of this award."

Previous award recipients include: Auburn City Councilmember Bill Peloza; former Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis; former Auburn Deputy Mayor Sue Singer; former Auburn City Councilmember Lynn Norman; and state Rep. Pat Sullivan (D-Covington).

Dolores Kyle and her granddaughter, Cristina Orsini, were on hand and personally presented the award to Fain along with chamber of commerce board chairman Byron Hiller.