Doug Kelley wins Lifetime Achievement Award

“I must admit that this is most humbling, embarrassing and deeply appreciated – all at the same time,” Kelley said upon accepting the award. “I have literally fallen in to some of the most fulfilling and life changing events and opportunities in my life. Not necessarily by design, but simply by being in the right place at the right time and being open to raising my hand or saying yes.”

Kelley went on to encourage the business leaders in the audience to…”place yourself, place your employees in the position to be included, to fall in to opportunities, to be open to saying yes. Be open to a vision and a mission, like the West Plains Chamber, that you believe in, that is transformative and that is advancing community prosperity in its many forms.”    

Nearly 300 West Plains Chamber members were on hand for the event and gave Kelley a standing ovation. Kelley has been a dedicated Avista employee for the past 35 years. He says he enjoys working for a company that values and honors its employees, its communities and invests heavily in both.

Avista Regional Account Executive Doug Kelley was honored with a West Plains Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award during the Chamber’s annual awards gala on November 8 at Northern Quest Casino. Kelley was selected for the award by the Chamber’s Board of Directors, who each year select an individual who has had a lasting legacy within the West Plains business community.

“This year, our winner is one who has not only been a champion in the West Plains, but throughout the greater Spokane region,” said Executive Director Toby Broemmeling, who highlighted Kelley’s leadership roles as chair of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Lilac Bloomsday Association, the Spokane Sports Commission, the EWU Alumni Association, the Spokane County Parks Board and the Spokane County Planning Commission