Annual Awards Gala

Award Winners Announced at January 16 Annual Awards Gala

Nearly 250 Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce members, community stakeholders, awards finalists, and their supporters filled the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek Casino Resort on Friday, January 16, for the Chamber’s 104th Annual Meeting & Awards Gala. The evening brought the business community together to celebrate accomplishments from the past year, witness the installation of the Chamber Board of Directors, honor award finalists, and announce this year’s award recipients.

Welcoming attendees, Chamber President & CEO Deidre Peterson invited guests to reflect on the collective progress made over the past year. She framed the Gala as both a celebration and a moment of gratitude for those who invest their time, talent, and leadership in Mason County. “Tonight honors the people and organizations who quietly and consistently make our community stronger,” Peterson said.

Peterson recognized the evening’s sponsors, noting that the event was made possible through their generous support. Guests were welcomed by Michael Evans of Little Creek Casino Resort, followed by remarks from Photography Sponsors Amy & Forrest Cooper of Cooper Studios, and Brad & Heidi McCutcheon of Bradley Air Company.

Toast Sponsor Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance delivered her annual Ode prior to the first course, highlighting community milestones, business achievements, anniversaries, leadership transitions, and signature events from across Mason County. Her remarks encouraged guests to pause and celebrate the many ways the community continues to grow and thrive.

Guests enjoyed a four-course, seasonally inspired meal showcasing Little Creek Casino Resort’s culinary expertise, with each course thoughtfully paired. Guests selected either traditional wine pairings or a curated non-alcoholic mocktail pairing offered as an alternative throughout the evening.

During the program, Peterson reaffirmed the Chamber’s role as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a strong community. She highlighted three key areas of progress: increased membership engagement, with record-high membership nearing 400 businesses and nonprofits; tourism and visitor services, including the restoration of the downtown Caboose and real-time coordination during the Bear Gulch Fire; and partnerships, strengthened through collaboration with MasonEDC and the North Mason Chamber of Commerce, by way of joint programming and aligned legislative priorities.

Honorable Judge George Steel administered the oath of office, formally installing the 2026 Chamber Board of Directors and charging them with representing the business interests of Mason County and supporting economic development and tourism.

The evening concluded with the awards presentation by Peterson and 2025 Chamber Board Chair Eileen Bailey. Connie Adams received the Chairperson’s Choice Award; Bailey visited Adams the day prior at a health rehabilitation center to present the award in person, and Adams’s daughter, Karen Sullivan, accepted on her behalf during the Gala. Additional honorees included Shannon Henry of OURCU as Volunteer of the Year; Tamra Ingwaldson as Citizen of the Year; Great Bend Center for Music as Nonprofit of the Year; House Flowers as Rookie of the Year; Mark Ziegler of the City of Shelton as Boss of the Year; and Peninsula Credit Union as Business of the Year.

Board Chair Eileen Bailey closed the evening by congratulating the finalists and recipients, and by thanking the event sponsors, Little Creek Casino Resort staff, and Chamber staff and volunteers.

This unforgettable evening would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We extend our deepest thanks to Premier Sponsor Little Creek Casino Resort, Print Sponsor The Shopper, Photography Sponsor Cooper Studios, Podium Sponsor Bradley Air Company, Awards Sponsor Our Community Credit Union, and Toast Sponsor Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance. Course Sponsors Hood Canal Communications, The Optical Shop of WA, EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc., and Edward Jones – Karen Sullivan ensured a truly exceptional dining experience.