Dozens of office workers and their employers gathered at the Hermiston Conference Center for the annual Professional Assistants Day Luncheon on Tuesday.

During the event, the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce named the 2012 Professional Assistant of the Year, and no one was more surprised by the announcement than Cyndie Driscoll, this years winner.

I had no idea, Driscoll said. I did not expect to be the winner.

Driscoll, of Tom Denchel Ford, was nominated for the award by James Harvey, Tom Denchel Ford County general manager, for doing whatever is needed to serve customers.

I would certainly like to meet the person who works harder or more diligently, Harvey wrote in his letter nominating Driscoll for the honor. Our business would not be the same without her.

Penny Buffington, business co-owner, attended the event.

This is one of the hardest working women Ive ever met, Buffington said of Driscoll. She is a gift to Tom Denchel Ford, and she definitely deserves to win this award.

After the luncheon, Driscoll and her coworkers were escorted around Hermiston in a limo before returning to work.

The three runners-up were also recognized during the event. Those professional assistants were LaCosta Noland, of O So Kleen; Alaina Siler, of Re/Max Cornerstone; and Dana Tassie, of Universal Realty.

The luncheon also included a fashion show featuring styles from Andees Boutique, Kickin It Cowgirl Boutique, Lucky Enz and Maurices.

Kyle Sexton served as guest speaker. Sexton is in his 11th year with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and consults with chambers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Sexton spoke about marketing, making a business stand out and the importance of reaching out to the customer.

Things are not always what they seem at first glance, Sexton said. You can take that idea and apply it to your own business.