Driven to help others, Diane Fritschy has flourished in a rewarding career of dollars and cents, smiles and handshakes.

Fritschy thrives in the tight-knit community she serves. Her professional and personal qualities have not gone unnoticed.

For her outstanding work, the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Fritschy –  vice president and branch manager of the north Auburn Columbia Bank – as its Ambassador of the Year at the organization’s annual awards banquet at the Muckleshoot Casino last Thursday night.

“It means a lot to be recognized by the community,” a gracious and humble Fritschy said after receiving the honor. “The community of Auburn is very unique and very special, and I think the people really come together when there is a need. There is all that support, that connection, the reaching out, the communication.

“It feels good to be a part of that because you see the results,” she added. “And that’s what I’ve really gotten out of it … just being able to be a part of ever-changing Auburn.”

Columbia Bank welcomed Fritschy to its team 10 months ago to oversee the day-to-day branch functions. She also works to develop and strengthen the bank’s relationship with customers and businesses in Auburn.

Fritschy brings 36 years of banking experience in operations, relationship and business development and optimum customer experience to her new role at Columbia Bank. She previously worked for 32 years at Washington Mutual Bank in Auburn.

Fritschy worked her way up in the banking business, beginning as a teller.

Fritschy, who lives in Federal Way, enjoys working one-on-one with people and developing and mentoring others, especially those who look to further their careers in the banking industry.

“The customer is our business,” Fritschy said. “And I enjoy being a part of that.”

In other awards, Scarff Ford was selected Large Business of the Year.

Scarff Ford, established in 1922, is Auburn’s oldest business business and one of the longest-running dealerships in the Northwest. The dealership has been consistently honored as a regional and national award winner in customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Scarff Ford also is one of Auburn’s leading supporters of community projects and charitable causes.

“The biggest thing is being a part of this community,” said Way Scraff, third-generation owner and operator of the family business, while accepting the award. “This community is very special to our business and family. … It’s a privilege to be in this community.”

Gosanko Chocolate Art was tabbed Small Business of the Year. The Auburn-based wholesale chocolate company has thrived in a market of creating sculptured, solid gourmet chocolate candy for national clientele since 1987.

“It’s a real honor,” said Ronnie Roberts, Gosanko president and owner. “Auburn has been a fun community for me, my family and business.”

Roberts praised his wife of 21 years, Susan, for her hard work and support in making the business a growing success.

Chamber officials also passed the gavel from Terry Davis to the organization’s next chairman of the board and chief elected officer, Michele Oosterink.