By Christina Corrales-Toy
The 2012 Diamond Award recipients pose with their new hardware at The Golf Club at Newcastle Nov. 14.

The date is set for the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Diamond Awards, and attendees can expect to see a few differences at this year’s annual celebration.

This year’s ceremony will take place Nov. 13 at The Golf Club at Newcastle, though it will likely be an evening affair, Executive Director Imelda Dulcich announced at the June chamber luncheon.

Similar to previous years, there are six Diamond Awards recognizing outstanding community members, but there are a few significant changes to the 2013 categories.

The youth award returns in 2013, after it was replaced with the employee award in 2012.

The most recognizable change, however, is the name of the award that is given to an individual who inspires and motivates others in the community. That award will now be known as the Dennis Yarnell/Inspiration Award, according to a release.

Yarnell, the popular owner of the Newcastle Shell station, died Feb. 2. He began working at the station in 2000 and purchased it from its previous owner in March 2007.

The first award will be presented to Yarnell’s wife, Elizabeth J. Widseth and his son Trevor H. Yarnell.

“Dennis was the kind of guy who didn’t sit around and talk about doing things – he just went out and did them,” Widseth said in a statement. “This award is such an incredible honor and tribute to Dennis’ life.”

Yarnell, 33, was a chamber member, and a beloved part of the community.

“The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce is delighted to honor Dennis for his caring, commitment, and demonstrated service to the Newcastle community,” said Christina Mason, the Diamond Awards chairwoman. “Dennis inspired each of us to go out of our way to serve our neighbors as if they were family.”

The chamber is already collecting 2013 Diamond Award nominations. A recipient of an award is chosen based on his or her contribution to the community.

The six award categories include inspiration, business, community leadership, customer service, education and youth.

• A business award winner is an owner or manager of a Newcastle business who donates time, energy or resources for community causes.
• A Dennis Yarnell/Inspiration winner is an individual whose commitment and contribution to the community inspires and motivates others in the greater Newcastle area.
• A community leadership award winner is an individual who demonstrates uncommon initiative and caring, setting an example in the community.
• A customer service award winner is an individual, organization or public employee that demonstrates an uncommon commitment and enthusiasm that enriches the community.
• An education winner is an individual whose personal interest affects education and development of greater Newcastle area students.
• A youth award winner is a greater Newcastle area youth who demonstrates exceptional service and dedication to the community.

Nominate those in the community who make a difference by going to the chamber website at www.newcastle-chamber.org/newcastle-chamber-of-commerce-diamond-awards/.

Nomination forms can also be picked up and dropped off at Newcastle City Hall, Valley Medical Center or HomeStreet Bank.