Bellingham Cold Storage had the honor of being chosen for the 2019 Maritime Industry Award at the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce‘s 15th Annual Awards Dinner.
The maritime industry is one of Whatcom County’s original industries, and BCS is proud to have been a part of it since its founding on the Bellingham waterfront in 1946. The maritime award is the first of a new series of rotating industry awards presented by the Chamber.
In his acceptance speech, BCS CEO Doug Thomas noted that the company’s impacts on the community and the maritime industry are made possible by everyone who has worked at the organization, from those who’ve been there a year or two to those with 40 years or more at BCS.
“From the youngest employees to the oldest employees, it’s a rich history of employees with dedication to a great company,” Thomas said, adding that one family — the Knutsons — have a combined 120 years of experience working for BCS.
Thomas also thanked company founders, the Port of Bellingham, the City of Bellingham and the company’s many customers and vendors.
“We couldn’t do it without you,” he said.
Other awards handed out by the Chamber this year included the Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Nonprofit Organization of the Year, Tourism Business of the Year, CEO of the Year, Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Young Professional of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.