MATT DRISCOLL: WINS FOR LEAST APPROPRIATE ATTIRE >>>

Everyday since the Weekly Volcano expanded has been something of an adventure for me, and this afternoon was no different. The annual New Tacoma Awards Luncheon was held at the Tacoma Club just hours ago, and the powers that be at the Volcano asked me to be there. As has become my customary move, I arrived 20 minutes late, without registering, smelling like smoke and wearing a jean jacket. It was one of those awkward experiences this job is making me accustomed to.

Luckily, this is Tacoma â€" where even the hoity-toity will accept you if you’re there to talk economic revitalization or honor the movement.

The New Tacoma Awards Luncheon is put on by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. Marty Campbell of Buzzard’s, Stadium Video and president of the New Tacoma Neighborhood Council was the sharply dressed master of ceremonies. He presided over an hour and a half of applause and clattering silverware, which included a 20-minute 2008 Tall Ships Tacoma pep rally and the presentation of five awards.

The Sirius Real Estate Group took home the Ghilarducci Award, which according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber “recognizes successful new development renovation or beautification.” The Sirius Group won for their work on the 505 Broadway condo building where “Luxury now has an address,” in Tacoma, of all places.

Layne Alfonso of Tacoma’s GeoEngineers took home the Popham Award, which “recognizes the individual that has done the most to build community spirit.” The award is named after Art Popham, far and away one of the most recognizable and loved names to ever wield a pen for the News Tribune. Alfonso beat out Kevin Freitas of FeedTacoma, in what the Weekly Volcano only hopes was a very close race.

Ken Grassi of Grassi’s Flowers and Gifts took home the Schoenfeld Award, for “exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer.” (I originally thought this award had something to do with handcrafted oak dinette sets. I was so wrong.)

The Union Station Award is designed to “recognize leading companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization.” The award was split (strangely) between India Mahal restaurant, and commercial real estate broker Eric Cedarstrand â€" who was referred to as “Tacoma’s Donald Trump.” The dude from India Mahal was not given a nickname.

And a lifetime achievement award, which was also named after Popham, was given to Paul Ellis - the Chamber’s former director of Metropolitan Development. He now works at a presumably better paying job with more power in Colombia, Missouri. Chelsea Levy was introduced as Ellis' replacement at the luncheon. She starts Monday.

All in all, the food looked good (I didn’t have any because I showed up late). Those in attendance looked well powdered and pleased with themselves. And everyone was in the mood to relish Tacoma’s economic accomplishments and think about the possibilities of the future.

Tacoma’s come a long way, baby. Such a long way, in fact, that we have awards luncheons in honor of it. If I didn’t realize that before today’s prestigious event, I certainly do now. Next time I might wear a tie.