Norm and Beth Hill were awarded the Hall of Fame award at the 18th annual Business & Achievement Awards that took place Wednesday at the Stephens Performing Arts Center in Pocatello. (Doug Lindley/Idaho State Journal)
By Shelbie Harris
sharris@journalnet.com
POCATELLO — Leaders in business and philanthropic pillars of the Pocatello community were honored Wednesday at the Stephens Performing Arts Center for the 18th annual Business and Achievement Awards ceremony.
Hosted by Premier Technology Inc. and the Idaho State Business Journal, the event has changed significantly over the past 17 years, but the quality of the people honored year after year has remained the same.
Of the total 16 award categories that run the gamut from those in education to law enforcement and the many people involved in retail, legal or medical services, the recipients of the Hall of Fame award were prime examples of people who truly cared for the community in which they live.
Norm and Beth Hill and the late Greg Anderson were awarded the Hall of Fame award this year.
Originally from Hansen, Idaho, Norm and Beth were high school sweethearts who have been married 60 years. Both retired from Idaho Power after long careers, but that was only the beginning of their philanthropic efforts in the Pocatello community.
Norm and Beth Hill are ardent ISU supporters, and Beth chaired the I Love ISU fundraising campaign for several years. In addition to receiving the William J. Bartz award from ISU in 2008, Norm and Beth Hill have been active in the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, the Pocatello Chiefs, Pocatello Valley Pride, United Way and members of the Rotary Club.
The late Greg Anderson was awarded the Hall of Fame award at the Business & Achievement Awards. His son, Tim, and wife, Cheryl, accepted the award on Greg’s behalf. (Doug Lindley/Idaho State Journal)
During the construction of Brooklyn’s Playground, both served as build captains.
“This is amazing,” Beth Hill said about receiving the award. “We really appreciate it and since we retired we have tried to be involved as much as we can.”
When asked why she felt compelled to give back to the community in such a way, Beth said it’s because it’s the right thing to do.
“There’s not anything monetarily in it for us, but it’s the self-satisfaction of knowing that we are doing something great for the community,” Beth said.
Norm said it’s events like this that highlight the great of the community and only encourages more people to get involved.
Also awarded at the ceremony was the wife of the late Greg Anderson, who is most remembered for his contributions as a former mayor and longtime City Council member in Pocatello.
Anderson dedicated his life to serving, impacting groups including Pocatello Jaycees, Idaho Jaycees, Junior Chamber International, and among others the ISU Bengal Boosters program.
“Most of it started when Greg was Earl Pond of ISU’s assistant,” said Cheryl Anderson, Greg Anderson’s wife. “Earl encouraged him to get involved in the community and gave him many opportunities and time to get involved.”
Greg Anderson received the honor posthumously and Cheryl Anderson and their son, Tim Anderson, accepted the award on Greg’s behalf.
“I saw my dad’s passion for being involved at a young age,” Tim Anderson said. “He ignited a passion in me to recognize the people I’m surrounded by every day and to try and make Pocatello the best place to live.
Other award winners include:
- Elementary Education: Brenda Miner
- Junior High Education: Stephanie Kollbaum
- High School Education: Sheryl Brockett
- University Education: Dr. Cornelis Van Der Schyf
- Firefighter/EMT: Karen Aguilar
- Government: Gordon Howell
- Law Enforcement: Jim Jeffries
- Military: George Woodman
- Nonprofit: Rainbow Maldonado and Courtney Fisher
- Retail: Artoru Berry
- Nurses/Caregivers: Roxann Jackson
- Volunteer: Jennifer Erchul
- Financial Services: Elizabeth Merzlock
- Legal Services: Douglas Balfour
- Hospitality Services: Jeffrey Glissendorf
Other sponsors for the event include the Idaho State Journal, Portneuf Medical Center, Valley Office Systems, the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, the Shoshone Bannock Hotel and Event Center, the Fort Hall Casino and Citizens Community Bank.
