Trish Borden works tirelessly for those in her community, especially for people with developmental disabilities.

Her longtime commitment, civic duty and spirit have not gone unnoticed. The executive director of Trillium has been a leading force in helping businesses recruit, train and retain employees with disabilities.

For her efforts, the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Borden as its Citizen of the Year at the organization’s annual banquet and awards dinner at the Muckleshoot Casino on Aug. 19.

“I am very proud to receive this honor. I am surprised and grateful,” an emotional Borden told the audience. “Auburn is a place where I grew up as an adult, and it’s where I learned what community and citizenship are all about.

“Auburn is where people of all abilities can contribute to the community.”

Borden, an Auburn resident since 1977, has been Trillium’s executive director since 1987. She is described as a visionary, and a passionate worker by her colleagues.

In Borden’s time with the agency, Trillium has expanded services beyond King County and now serves clients in Pierce and Clark counties. Trillium, a pioneer-supported employment agency, has been serving people with disabilities in Washington since 1983.

“Environmentally, Trish is ahead of her time,” said Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis.

Borden has a master’s degree in special education and extensive experience working with adults with disabilities. Her experience with job development has included corporate development of opportunities at Boeing and Medtronic. She also has been active with development of public sector job opportunities, which included leadership to create state legislation to make it easier for people with developmental disabilities to become state employees.

Borden continues to be involved in the community. She served for 12 years on the Auburn City Council and is a past president of the Rotary Club of Auburn.

In other awards, Ron Copple was chosen Chamber Member of the Year; Jim Wilson, owner of Auburn Wine & Caviar, was selected Ambassador of the Year; and Doxon Toyota was honored with Excellence in Business.

The gavel also was passed, from Rod Luke to the chamber’s next chairman of the board and chief elected officer, Terry Davis.