Celebrate Local Excellence: Nominations Now Open for Annual Awards

For decades, the Chamber has honored outstanding businesses, individuals, and organizations through its annual awards program. The entire community is encouraged to submit nominations online at masonchamber.com/nominate through September 30, 2025. Details on each award category, nomination criteria, and a full archive of past recipients can also be found online.

This year, five categories are open for nominations. Business of the Year is awarded to a business that has made a meaningful impact on the Mason County community over the past year; KMAS Radio was the most recent recipient. Rookie of the Year highlights an exceptional new business, with Marmo Caffè & Gallery earning the distinction last year. Boss of the Year recognizes a standout individual whose leadership and management empower their team—last awarded to Kendall Lowe of Exceptional Foresters Inc. Citizen of the Year acknowledges someone who has gone above and beyond to serve both the business sector and the broader community; last year, Lisa Welander was selected. Nonprofit of the Year goes to an organization making a powerful difference through service, volunteerism, and charitable efforts; New Horizon Communities – Shelton Veterans Village received the honor most recently.

“It is deeply gratifying to provide an opportunity to shine a light on the passionate, gritty entrepreneurs and hardworking nonprofits that call Mason County home,” said Chamber CEO Deidre Peterson. “By opening nominations to the entire community, we hope to expand the impact and the appreciation these awards command.”

Nominations will be evaluated by the Chamber’s Member Services Committee, which will present a slate of three finalists per category to the Board of Trustees. Final ballots will be distributed to all members in good standing, with one vote per category allotted to each Chamber member.

Award recipients are determined by a majority vote of the membership and will be announced live during the Awards Gala, set to take place Friday, January 16, 2026, at the Skookum Event Center at Little Creek Casino Resort.

Two additional awards will also be presented during the Gala: the President’s Choice Award and Volunteer of the Year. Last year, Past Board Chair Jamie Mell selected Zachary Hansen for his restoration of the Caboose and Tollie, while Chamber staff recognized Billy Thomas of Peninsula Credit Union for his volunteer service to the Chamber.

For more information, email events@masonchamber.com or call (360) 426-2021.