Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce

The Raymond I. Smith Civic Leader of the Year Award Reno Sparks Chamber of Commerce

The Man: Both in terms of corporate philanthropy and the growth of the gaming industry, Raymond I. Smith was a precedent-setting pioneer. He donated, on an annual basis, more than $90,000 in college scholarships and another $100,000 to worthy charities.

The Award: Each year since 1966, the Chamber has presented a Civic Leader of the Year Award in Smith's memory.

The Selection Process: The honoree is to be selected by a panel made up of past chairs of the Chamber and past recipients. The Chamber will provide its members with an opportunity to submit nominations for the selection committee's consideration.

The Criteria: The award will be presented to an individual who has: 1) led organizations that improve the quality of life in our community; 2) selflessly devoted time and/or money to worthwhile local causes; and/or made an impact in finding and implementing solutions to local challenges.

Recognition: The honoree will be recognized at a major Chamber event (usually the annual Chairs Luncheon); and on a plaque alongside the Truckee River.

Past Winners

2008    Valerie Glenn and Roberta Ross
2007    Norm Dianda
2006    Anne Loring
2005    Bob Cashell and Tony Armstrong
2004    Jack Reviglio and Tom Reviglio
2003    Link Piazzo
2002    Evelyn Mount
2001    Karen Goldman-Craig
2000    Daryl Drake
1999    David Morgan and Bill Raggio
1998    McLellan "Mac" King
1997    Mike Reed
1996    Michael Dermody
1995    Fred Boyd
1994    Phil Rose
1993    Lynn Atcheson
1992    Bill Thornton
1991    Ernie Martinelli
1990    Luther Mack
1989    Clarence Jones
1988    Mark Curtis
1987    Harry Parker
1986    Rollan Melton
1985    Art Smith
1984    Moya Lear
1983    John Ascuaga
1982    Bill Kottinger
1981    Pete Barengo
1980    Pete Walters
1979    Wallie Warren
1978    George Hamilton
1977    Earl Wooster
1976    Harold Gorman
1975    Bill Harrah
1974    Neil Plath
1973    Les Kofoed
1972    Ben Dasher
1971    Jessie Beck
1970    Frank Bender
1969    Paul Garwood
1968    Preston Hale
1967    Robert McAdam
1966    Roy Powers
1965    Fred Fletcher