Who do You Appreciate? Nominations Open for Annual Awards

For decades, the Chamber has recognized deserving businesses, individuals, and organizations through its annual awards program. The entire community is invited to submit nominations online at masonchamber.com/nominate and will be accepted through September 30, 2026. Award categories, guidelines, and the complete list of past winners is also published online.

There are five categories open for nominations. Business of the Year honors the business that made the most significant contribution benefiting the Mason County community over the past year; most recently, Peninsula Credit Union took home the title. Rookie of the Year nods to a new business and was awarded to House Flowers. Boss of Year recognizes an individual who empowers their employees and is an example of leadership and management excellence; last year Mark Ziegler of the City of Shelton earned the accolade. Citizen of the Year credits an individual who has made outstanding contributions to enhance the business community and the community at large; the recent award went to Tamra Ingwaldson. Nonprofit of the Year celebrates an organization who strongly impacts Mason County through service, volunteerism, and donations; the Great Bend Center for Music received that title last.

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

All nominations will be reviewed by the Chamber’s Member Services Committee, who will make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees a slate of three finalists per category to be placed on the ballot. As always, ballots will be sent to all members in good standing; each Chamber member receives one vote per category.

The majority vote by the membership determines the award winners who will be announced live at the Awards Gala held at Little Creek Casino Resort’s Skookum Event Center on Friday, January 15, 2027.

Two other awards will also be announced at the event: President’s Choice Award and Volunteer of the Year. Last year Past Board Chair Eileen Bailey recognized Connie Adams and Chamber staff honored Shannon Henry of Our Community Credit Union, respectively.

For more information contact the Chamber at info@masonchamber.com or (360) 426-2021.