For the first time since Bill Vadino became the executive director of the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce seven years ago, he was speechless.

“Amy and I opened our business in 2005 and Bill was the first one to greet us,” said Jim Walen, owner of Ford and Hyundai of Kirkland, during a farewell event at the Crab Cracker on Thursday night.

More than 50 Kirkland business owners, residents, city and King County officials gathered to bid farewell to Vadino, who announced in December he was stepping down to become the show director for the Kirkland Concours d’Elegance in Tacoma.

Walen joked that Vadino left that day with a check, but the couple has received “many, many times” the return for becoming Chamber members.

“I am speechless,” said Vadino, amidst laughter from the crowd.

He went on to thank the business community for all their hard work. He emphasized the need to build on past successes to help the area’s non-profits by forming a Kirkland Foundation.

Vadino was also with the Kirkland Downtown Association for three years.