PORTAGE | Former Mayor Doug Olson had just spent the day watching his daughter play soccer for her college team when his wife, Pat, convinced him they needed to stop by the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce awards dinner on their way home.

They weren't dressed for the occasion, Olson said, but they stopped.

He didn't know then that he'd be one of the honored guests that night at the chamber's annual gala.

"I was surprised, but I was very honored," Olson said after receiving the group's Outstanding Public Citizen award.

Olson was recognized not only for his eight years as mayor and for his public service as city clerk-treasurer and city councilman, said presenter Susan Kelly Johnson, but also for the things he does for the community as a private citizen.

"It was for a lifetime contribution to the city of Portage," said Johnson, adding that Olson can be spotted at local soccer or high school football games helping out.

"You just do those things because you like to do those things," said Olson, who now works as the director of government affairs for SEH, a Munster consulting group.

Other groups and individuals received awards.

Community Improvement awards went to St. Peters Lutheran Church; Horizon Bank; Portage Township YMCA; Lakefront and Riverwalk unit of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and the Portage Park Department for the new soccer complex and Deer Trail Park.

New construction awards went to CarX; Portage Health Center building two; Victory Christian Center; Buffalo Wild Wings; Portage Township Schools for the new bus barn; Blue Water Bar and Grills; Holladay Properties for its new building at 1575 Louis Sullivan Drive in AmeriPlex at the Port.

The business service award went to Town & Country Market.

The humanitarian of the year award was presented to the Portage Kiwanis Club.

The volunteer of the year award was presented to Kelly Johnson, her husband, Dr. John Johnson, and their family.

Educator of the year award was presented to Portage Township Schools Assistant Superintendent E. Ric Frataccia.

Putting Portage on the Map awards were presented to Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant and Portage Township Schools under the direction of Superintendent Mike Berta and Frataccia.

The special event award went to the Portage Township Schools Education Foundation for its wine tasting and silent auction event.