Rick Hughes given community service award

The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce and its Board President Colleen Smith have announced they are honoring Rick Hughes with the “President’s 2020 Public Service Award for Dedicated Service to the Community.”

Hughes is being recognized for his eight years of service as a San Juan County Council Member and his efforts to improve aspects of the Orcas Island community and the county. He was vitally involved in a variety of efforts, including public works projects, establishing the park and ride facility at the Orcas landing, assisting the rebuild of the Exchange, taking an active role in multi-county interests and public health programs and senior services and working with the ferry system and the Department of Transportation, to name a few.

“Rick exhibited a can-do attitude and respected other viewpoints during his time on the council,” said Smith. “He went to great lengths to be sure opposing viewpoints were heard. With his wife, Marlace, Rick is a small business owner who never lost sight of the needs of local businesses. The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present this award to Rick.”