January 21, 2020 — The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Ben Small, Superintendent of Central Valley School District, has been named the 2019 Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year.

Each year, past recipients of the award gather to research and select the next Citizen of the Year. Nominees’ achievements must demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Improve the free and competitive enterprise system of business by creating a greater appreciation of the value of the commitment of oneself to the business interests of the Greater Spokane Valley.
• Enhance business and community growth and development by promoting civic, social, and cultural programs designed to improve the functional and aesthetic values of the community.
• Design economic programs that strengthen and expand the income potential of the commerce arena.

Ben Small has been the Superintendent of the Central Valley School District for the past 11 years. He believes through his role in the Chamber and the school district he can help create a better community through education. Small continues to collaborate with the businesses, industries, agencies, and organizations to support the schools, children, and families in the community.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished in not only the Central Valley School District, but in our region. Proud, but not satisfied. Receiving the Harry E. Nelson Citizen of the Year from the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is not an award that I receive at the end of my tenure – it is an award I am proud to receive and keep on going! Together, we have accomplished so much and have so much more to accomplish!”

In addition to the Citizen of the Year, the Gem of the Valley Awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Gala on Friday, January 24^th, at Mirabeau Park Hotel. Other individuals and businesses nominated for an award will have to wait until that night to see who will take home an award.

The Gem of the Valley Awards Gala is made possible with the support of the following businesses: BECU, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Inland Empire Paper Company, Modern Electric Water Co., MultiCare Valley Hospital, Spokane International Airport, and Waste Management.