At a meeting of the Clallam Economic Development Council members on Jan. 30, First Federal was recognized as the EDC’s Business of the Year and county commissioner Jim McEntire was recognized as the EDC’s Individual of the Year. Both received the EDC Olympic Leader Award.

The awards were presented by Dr. Luke Robins, president of Peninsula College, and by EDC Executive Director Bill Greenwood. Robins announced the establishment, with the EDC and the Peninsula College Foundation, of two new student scholarships at Peninsula College, to be named each year in honor of the EDC Olympic Award winners.

Accepting for First Federal was Larry Hueth, president and CEO. Hueth successfully rebuilt the management team at the bank, led its conversion to a stock form of ownership and took the steps to ensure the future strength of the county’s most important financial institution.

McEntire received the award for his insistent drive and dedication to making the EDC a more effective organization. He helped to design and craft the EDC’s new Strategic Plan. His was a forceful voice in reducing the size of the EDC board, aiming to make it more rational and nimble. He placed his reputation on the line by supporting major assistance from the Opportunity Fund to place the EDC on solid financial footing to be adequately staffed to do its job.