Award Winners Named at Stunning January 17 Awards Gala

Nearly 350 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 17, for the Chamber’s 103rd Annual Meeting & Awards Gala. The crowd gathered to recognize excellence, celebrate the successes of the past year, witness the installation of the Chamber board, honor the award finalists, and await the announcement of the Annual Award winners.

In her welcoming remarks, Chamber President & CEO Deidre Peterson effused, “Tonight, we come together to honor the heart and soul of Mason County – the businesses, leaders, and visionaries who shape our community. This event is more than a celebration; it’s a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and resilience.”

She then introduced the evening’s top sponsors, noting that the night was made possible thanks to their generous support. Little Creek Casino Resort COO Daniel Hansen shared a word, followed by Photography Sponsor Amy & Forrest Cooper of Cooper Studios, Brad & Heidi McCutcheon of Bradley Air Company, and Kelsie Rudnick of The Shopper.

Before the first course, Toast Sponsor Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance delivered an Ode to 2024 highlighting the momentous occasions and milestones reached, proclaiming “It’s important to take a minute, slow down, and celebrate our successes.”

Guests enjoyed a four-course meal which was sponsored by Mell Property Management, The Optical Shop of WA, Hood Canal Communications, and EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc. The menu showcased Little Creek’s culinary skills and made an upscale, seasonal spin on classic fare. A shrimp in parmesan tuile was followed by a beet and goat cheese salad, salmon and braised short ribs, and an impressive trio of chocolate dessert or savory cheeses. This year, as an alternative to the wine pairings, a non-alcoholic mocktail pairing was offered to guests.

Peterson reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to serve as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a strong community. She detailed a few of the successes the organization achieved during 2024 including: a record high membership and increased engagement, strategic efforts to deepen relationships with community partners like the EDC and North Mason Chamber, workforce development programs—including siting a Business Navigator to support pathways to employment and assist employers with talent acquisition, and continuing to advocating on issues that matter.

The 2025 board of directors then made their oath of office, vowing to “represent the business interests of Mason County, and to work diligently to maintain a vibrant business community, promote tourism, and facilitate economic development.”

The culminating event, of course, was the awards presentation by Peterson 2024 Chamber Board Chair Jamie Mell of Mell Property Management. All of the finalists were highlighted with a video lauding their accomplishments and the winners were named: Chairperson’s Choice Zachary Hansen; Volunteer of the Year Billy Thomas of Peninsula Credit Union; Nonprofit of the Year New Horizons Communities – Shelton Veterans Village; Rookie of the Year Marmo Caffè & Gallery; Citizen of the Year Lisa Welander; Boss of the Year Kendall Lowe of Exceptional Foresters Inc.; and Business of the Year KMAS Radio.

Finally, Board Chair Jamie Mell closed the evening by extending her congratulations to all of the award finalists and thanking the event sponsors, LCCR team, and Chamber staff & 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, Reception Sponsor Evergreen State Roofing, and Toast Sponsor Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance. Course Sponsors Mell Property Management, The Optical Shop of WA, Hood Canal Communications, and EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc. ensured a truly exceptional dining experience.

Read more about all of our finalists in the commemorative issue of Business Matters, in the January 23 Shelton-Mason County Journal.