Nominate for Annual Awards
Each year, the Chamber proudly honors the contributions made by the business community at the Awards Gala. These aim to recognize the businesses and individuals in recognition of their accomplishments during the calendar year. The community is invited to make nominations for five categories. See the categories and awards criteria listed below the form.
Nominations for the annual awards closed on September 30. The slate of finalists will be sent to Chamber members in good standing to vote for this year’s award winners.
Congratulations to this years finalists:
Business of the Year:
Peninsula Credit Union
Sierra Pacific Industries
Superior Construction
Rookie of the Year:
Flywheel & Beside the Gallery
House Flowers
Mushroom Headz Tattoo
Boss of the Year:
Charlie Allmendinger, Peninsula Credit Union
Melanie Bakala, State Farm Insurance
Mark Ziegler, City of Shelton
Citizen of the Year:
Jordan Devaney
Tamra Ingwaldson
Julie Rowan
Nonprofit of the Year:
Great Bend Center for Music
Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group
Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center
Awards Guidelines
Boss of the Year recognizes and individual who empowers their employees and is an example of leadership and management excellence. The honoree must represent a Chamber member business in good standing and nominations may only be made be made by an individual who works for that person. The recent award went to Kendall Lowe of Exceptional Foresters Inc.
Judging criteria includes: leading with vision, inspiration, and integrity; building partnerships; succeeding through people/empowering employees; nurturing creativity and innovation; and developing a positive work culture.
Business of the Year recognizes the company that made the most significant contribution benefiting the Shelton and Mason County business community. Any size business is eligible; recognition will be given for overall contributions to improving our community and/or business climate. This business must be a member in good standing of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce and should be headquartered in Mason County. The last year’s award went to KMAS Radio.
Judging criteria includes: leading with vision, inspiration, and integrity; building partnerships; succeeding through people; nurturing creativity and innovation; adding value for customers; and hours or services dedicated to community activities/efforts.
Citizen of the Year recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the business community and the community at large. This person gives freely of their time, talent, energy, and expertise. This person must live or work in Mason County. Contributions considered must be made by this individual outside the scope of regular business or duties performed through employment. The recent award went to Lisa Welander.
Judging criteria includes: leading with vision, inspiration, and integrity; building partnerships; succeeding through people; nurturing creativity and innovation; contributing to community activities/efforts and/or involvement with special programs; and service to local nonprofits or boards.
Nonprofit of the Year recognizes a nonprofit organization who strongly impacts Mason County through service, volunteerism, donations (monetarily and/or in-kind), and activism. The organization must be a member in good standing of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce and should be headquartered in Mason County. The recent award went to New Horizon Communities – Shelton Veterans Village.
Judging criteria includes: leading with vision, inspiration, and integrity; building partnerships; succeeding through people; contributing to community activities/efforts.
Rookie of the Year celebrates a business who has opened a storefront or began operation within the past 24 months, fulfilling a gap in service, retail, or operation that benefited the Mason County community at large. This business must be a member in good standing of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce and should be headquartered in Mason County. The recent award went to Marmo Caffè & Gallery.
Judging criteria includes: leading with vision, inspiration, and integrity; building partnerships; succeeding through people; nurturing creativity and innovation; adding value for customers; hours or services dedicated to community activities/efforts.
Two additional awards are also bestowed: Volunteer of the Year, which is selected by Chamber staff; and President’s Choice.