Community Leaders Honored at Annual Impact Awards Ceremony

Five individuals recognized for their positive contributions to North Central Washington

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Wenatchee World and NCWLIFE News hosted the annual Community Impact Awards ceremony on Thursday evening at the LocalTel Event Center in Pybus Public Market. Around 100 attendees, including World/NCWLIFE staff, gathered to celebrate five local leaders who have made significant positive impacts in North Central Washington.

Why it matters

The Community Impact Awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond to improve their local communities. By highlighting these leaders and their achievements, the event shines a light on the power of community involvement and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.

The details

The five award recipients were: Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison (Local Hero Award), East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford (Public Life and Service Award), Serve Wenatchee Valley Executive Director Mike Malmin (Progress Award), Microsoft Senior Manager Lisa Karstetter (Business Impact Award), and Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center co-founder Nancy Grette (Community Connection Award). The awards were presented by various NCWLIFE and Wenatchee World reporters.

  • The Community Impact Awards ceremony took place on Thursday, March 28, 2026.
  • The event was held at the LocalTel Event Center at Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee, Washington.

The players

Rick Boone

NCWLIFE and The Wenatchee World News Director, who kicked off the event.

Mike Morrison

Chelan County Sheriff, who received the Local Hero Award.

Jerrilea Crawford

East Wenatchee Mayor, who received the Public Life and Service Award.

Mike Malmin

Serve Wenatchee Valley Executive Director, who received the Progress Award.

Lisa Karstetter

Microsoft Senior Manager, who received the Business Impact Award.

Nancy Grette

Co-founder and Executive Director of Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center, who received the Community Connection Award.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Community Impact Awards ceremony highlights the important work being done by local leaders to improve their communities in North Central Washington. By recognizing these individuals, the event inspires others to get involved and make a positive difference in their own neighborhoods.