The Bothell Kenmore Chamber of Commerce honored Country Village during its May 30 general meeting, recognizing owner Leeann Tesorieri as member of the month.

As Country Village prepares to shut down for good, making way for town house development, local business owners celebrated how Tesorieri supported numerous small businesses over the past decades.

“She very much deserves this honor as she did so much to help so many small businesses over the years, and worked very hard to enhance our community,” chamber marketing manager Elizabeth Tackett said.

Maurita Colburn, the chamber’s member and community relations manager, welcomed Tesorieri to receive the award and spoke on her impact within the community.

“There are some small family businesses that get involved and help out in the community, and then there are some small family businesses that become the community,” Colburn said. “The chamber wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Country Village Shops.”

Colburn highlighted the chamber’s history with the Country Village as a founding member of the chamber. Country Village hosted the chamber’s office space for numerous years.

“Leeann, the staff and the Loveless family for many years offered support and incalculable value to the Bothell community and local business owners,” Colburn added.

Tesorieri received a standing ovation as she accepted the award.

“I’ve really enjoyed my job at Country Village for all these years — it was something different every day — and I will miss it,” Tesorieri said. “[I’ll] especially miss this chamber’s support and collaboration throughout the years. They’ve been a wonderful chamber, and I’ve joined several different chambers, but the Bothell Kenmore chamber is the best.”

Country Village had been set to close in April but extended the closure until June 1. Over its years of operation, the village hosted more than 80 different local shops that have now either retired or relocated.

“She was allowing those little mom and pop shops to get a start and to get grounded within our community,” Colburn said. “We will miss Leeann, we’ll greatly miss the Country Village Shops and we’ll always remember your generous contributions to the chamber, to Bothell, our community and support of local businesses.”

Maurita Colburn, the chamber’s Member and Community Relations manager, welcomes Country Village owner Leeann Tesorieri as she receives a standing ovation from local business owners. Kailan Manandic/staff photo