METHUEN — Those who know Rick Dewhirst keep asking the same question: How does he have time to run his business when he is involved in so many community organizations?

Dewhirst, chairman of the board of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and president of Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Inc., is the Methuen Board of Trade's 2008 Person of the Year.

Dewhirst is owner of Charles F. Dewhirst Family Funeral Homes, a more than 80-year-old family run business that now includes four funeral homes in Methuen, Lawrence and Andover.

But it's what Dewhirst does outside of his day job that made him the Board of Trade's unanimous decision, said President Nancy Carace.

"He's a great community person and we really look for that type of person," Carace said. Past Person of the Year winners include high school Principal Arthur Nicholson and city historian Ernie Mack.

From a field of eight nominees — more than the Board of the Trade usually receives — Dewhirst was the unanimous selection this year, Carace said.

Dewhirst was among the founders of Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Inc. and was the first businessman to be involved in the primarily residential group. He's continued his involvement for 15 years and has served as president while the association constructed a new community center on Tenney Street to serve the city's poorest families.

"As a business owner he was able to provide us with a different point of view and that was instrumental in changing the neighborhood," said Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Inc. director Linda Soucy. "He has so many good ideas and so much vision. As a person, he's phenomenal."

Dewhirst also is active with Holy Family Men's Guild and is chairman of the board of First Church Congregational in Methuen. He's chairman of the board of the Berkeley Retirement Home.

In the past, he's held leadership roles with the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, the Methuen Board of Trade and the Salem/Methuen Rotary Club.

The announcement of the award came as a surprise to Dewhirst, who prefers to work behind the scenes.

"I like to do these things because they are enjoyable for me and I feel as though we're making a difference," Dewhirst said. "This was quite unexpected. There is a very impressive list of former recipients and I feel honored to be included among them."

Chamber of Commerce President Joe Bevilacqua said Dewhirst has been a strong advocate for promoting Merrimack Valley businesses.

"Rick has demonstrated an overwhelming interest in helping anybody who needs assistance," Bevilacqua said. "He reaches out and relates well to all sectors of our business economy. He's got a tremendous reputation in the community. I don't know where he gets the time to do it all."

Dewhirst said he wants to give back to the community "that has done so much for my family."

"One of the reasons I've been able to do as much in the community and give back is because I have incredibly talented staff that will cover the day-to-day operations so I can do the community outreach aspect. Plus the support of my family," Dewhirst said.

If you go

What: Person of the Year banquet

When: April 10, 5:30 p.m. cocktails, 6:30 p.m. dinner

Where: Guesthouse Inn, 159 Pelham St.

Tickets: $40, call Nancy Carace at 978-807-1186. Proceeds benefit the Board of Trade Scholarship Fund

Most recent Person of the Year winners, listed from 2007 to 2001:

Arthur Nicholson, Methuen High School principal

Joseph Pappalardo, real estate developer and philanthropist

Krista McLeod, Nevins Memorial Library director

Ernest Mack, local historian

Donald Fitzgerald, owner of Mann Orchards on Pleasant Valley Street

James Jajuga, former state senator

Bruce Arnold, local radio broadcaster