For seven years running, Alma Friedman has walked away from the annual awards banquet as the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce’s “Ambassador of the Year.” For the last two years, Friedman has shared that award with Bob Boulden.

The two are Chamber ambassadors, two of many representing the Chamber by welcoming new businesses to town, recruiting new members and attending chamber events, among them ribbon cuttings and Chamber “after hours,” and recognizing business owners in the area who, like them, go out of their way to make their community better. They pitch in where needed, going so far as to set up for events and even making side dishes to take to Chamber gatherings.

“They are always willing to go above and beyond,” said Robin McKeithan, the Chamber’s business manager.

The Ambassadors of the Year are chosen by point system: for every Chamber event the ambassadors attend, they receive points. Those with the most points are given the honor at the awards banquet.

Boulden is the pilot behind the wheel of Miss Bea Charters, providing tours of area waterways for visitors and those simply in the market for an afternoon or evening cruise. He’s been a member of the Chamber of the past four years.

“Our main goal is to welcome new businesses and give people a heads up about what’s going on in town,” Boulden said. “We do the things that (the Chamber) would like to do, but probably don’t have the time.”

In that sense, Chamber ambassadors are an extension of the Chamber itself, McKeithan said.

Boulden said he joined the Chamber when he started his charter business — he thought it was the best way to get to know other people and find out what’s going on in the business community.

Friedman became an ambassador for the same reason: an acquaintance pointed out how the program is a great way to meet people, shortly after she and husband Stan — and their business, Friedman properties — had come to Washington.

“It’s a good way meet and greet, if you have the time,” Freidman said.

Both Friedman and Boulden are technically retired, so they do have the time to allocate to the many Chamber events around town, as well as advocate for the benefits of joining the Chamber, primary of which are networking and advertising.