For the second year in a row, the Coquille Community Center was transformed into a chocolate lover's dreamland for the annual meeting of the Coquille Chamber of Commerce.

Savory sweets and delicious wines attracted together local civic leaders and business owners on Jan. 13 to discuss the future of the area and recognize those who helped bring about improvements in the last 12 months.

Employing the theme of “A Chocolate Fantasy,” the chamber filled the small auditorium in the community building with goodies from The Mill Casino-Hotel, Fat Tuesday's Mardi Gras Grill, Coquille Valley Hospital, Frazier's Bakery and Betty Venneberg's handmade chocolate truffles, among others. Wines also were poured from Old Bridge Winery and Hawks View Winery.

Before the presentation of awards, newly elected Coos County Commissioner Kevin Stufflebean addressed the crowd, as did Coos County Airport District board member Jon Barton, who presented plans for the proposed airport terminal in North Bend.

The three winners of chamber awards recognized all played a role in improving the downtown area over the previous year.

Bob Taylor, former owner of Taylor's Sport Shop at 153 N. Central St., was recognized as the Citizen of the Year for donating his store to serve as the Coquille Valley Museum.

Gerald Marca, owner of Marca Electric, received the Business of the Year award for his efforts to improve business in the downtown area. Among his improvements was an expansion of the Rivers Edge RV Park and construction of an adjacent storage unit facility.

Lowell Thomas was chosen as Volunteer of the Year for his oversight of Operation Coquille, an effort to beautify the city and promote the refurbishment of downtown buildings.

Sharon Orchard took home the Coquille Valley Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year Award. Wayne Nelson was named Rotarian of the Year.