Skip Novakovich deserves latest in list of accolades

Skip Novakovich has done a lot for this community.

He's devoted countless hours to the betterment of his beloved Kennewick and beyond. And he's earned honors and awards for his volunteerism and commitment to civic duty.

Accolades aren't what motivate people like Novakovich to do what they do.

But it doesn't hurt every once in a while to make sure folks who give so tirelessly and work so hard for our community know that they are truly appreciated.

Novakovich has been named Tri-Citian of the Year.

He's probably best known for his downtown Kennewick business, Esprit Graphic Communications, which he operates with his wife, Shannon.

He's also serving as president of the Port of Kennewick Board of Commissioners, an organization that's moving forward with rejuvenating the long embattled Vista Field and the Kennewick waterfront, especially on and around Clover Island.

Serving as a port commissioner is a big job in itself.

But Novakovich doesn't stop at being an entrepreneur and public servant. Many, many causes and organizations benefit from his involvement and leadership.

A retired Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, he also is chairman of the board of the Columbia Basin Veterans Coalition, a group that's near and dear to his heart.

He has helped create transitional housing for veterans and has supported the Tri-Cities Regional Veterans Memorial Committee and the Time of Remembrance Committee.

When arsonists demolished the Playground of Dreams in Columbia Park in 2003, Novakovich stepped in as chairman of the fundraising committee to rebuild the playground and was part of the remarkable effort to resurrect the playground in four days the following year. The campaign was so successful, there was money to spare in the fund when the playground was completed.

Novakovich has been active in downtown Kennewick for years, literally helping to change the look of the district with efforts to create the flag plaza and involvement in the facade improvement committee, which has helped several business owners improve the look of their stores. He also helped develop the family-friendly First Night Tri-Cities celebration.

Novakovich doesn't just give of his time. He also gives back through his business, donating thousands of dollars of graphic design and printing work to community organizations each year.

His interest in current events and healthy debate brought him to be a founding board member of the Columbia Basin Badger Club.

The list of good deeds by Novakovich is long, as is the list of honors bestowed on him for his service.

As Tri-Citian of the Year, he joins a long line of distinguished folks who have helped make our community a better place to live and work.

None is more deserving than this year's honoree. Congratulations, Skip.

This story was originally published March 13, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Skip Novakovich deserves latest in list of accolades ."