Robert Snyder, with the Spirit of Jefferson, posed with Gary Chicchirichi after Chicchirichi was named the Distinguished Citizen of the Year at the 54th annual Chamber of Commerce banquet last week.

Gary Chicchirichi, owner of Guy’s Buick, GMC in Ranson, was selected as Jefferson County’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year for 2013. The award, sponsored annually by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and the Spirit of Jefferson, was presented at the 54th annual banquet of the Chamber held last Wednesday evening at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races’ Hollywood Ballroom.

Chosen due to his years of service and commitment to the community, Chicchirichi was completely surprised by the award and moreso to be joined by his children who had arrived prior to the announcement of the award. Chicchirichi is a graduate of Charles Town High School and a charter member of Charles Town Rotary Club, earning one of the highest honors as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Former recipients of the Distinguished Citizen of Jefferson County award present were Roger Ramey, Ed Smith and Don Mickey.

At the banquet, the Chamber recognized businesses who were new to the chamber in 2013 as well as those who saw significant change or growth in their businesses. Pat Hubbard, president of the Chamber, called on those present to be recognized.

The Chamber of Commerce also took the opportunity to present the George E. Vickers Award, an award offered to an outstanding business in the community. This year’s recipient was Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Accepting the award was General Manager Al Britton..

“We are very proud to play a significant role in Jefferson County,” said Britton. “One of our core values is being a neighbor and we live those core values, in particular that being an economic engine.”

Britton took the opportunity to assure guests that despite gambling coming on board in Maryland, the local casino will continue to thrive and play a significant economic future of not only the local area but the state of West Virginia.

Dr. Wallace Boston, APUS president and CEO, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. He took the opportunity to educate those in attendance about American Public University’s history and relocation to Charles Town. He shared their commitment to educating via online education as well as the commitment APUS has as a community partner and business in Jefferson County.