Awards Gala Announcement
Ticket sales are first come, first served at the online portal beginning on Monday, March 15 at 8:00 AM.
The Chamber will host its annual Awards Gala 2022 at Little Creek Casino Resort’s Skookum Creek Event Center in person on Friday, April 16 at 7:00p.
The Chamber Board considered postponing and canceling the event, however, as the oldest and largest champion of Mason County businesses, it was decided to continue forward following all safety guidelines and protocol; providing a blueprint of how to move toward normalcy while supporting our local businesses. We take the safety of our guests and the wellbeing of our community very seriously; safety protocols will be strictly enforced requiring guests to adhere to all tribal property rules, event policies, and direction from staff.
This year especially, we will celebrate the resiliency demonstrated by our community and highlight the successes achieved in 2020. The semi-formal event includes an elaborate four-course dinner expertly paired with wine, installation of the board of trustees, a nod to all award finalists, and the announcement of the winners. Business of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Boss of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Community Supporter of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and the President’s Choice Award will be presented. A list of past recipients can be found here. We will soon publicly announce the full slate of award finalists – more than 150 nominations were received this year. All Chamber members will receive a ballot with one vote per category.
The Chamber is committed to providing a safe event in accordance with current guidelines and mandates. In usual circumstances, the event center can hold more than 800 guests; occupancy for the Awards Gala will be less than 1/6 of that capacity. Only six guests will be seated per table instead of the usual eight. To ensure a smooth arrival, guests will be assigned a specific arrival period. Upon entering the venue, a temperature check will be conducted, then guests will be offered a photo opportunity and be ushered directly to their reserved seat.
As you can imagine, ticket sales this year will be different as well – the online portal for ticket sales will open on Monday, March 15 at 8:00 AM. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis with a limit of two tickets per Chamber member business/organization.
Because of the limited number of guests, the Chamber staff has worked closely with Little Creek to create an additional opportunity. A Live Viewing Option has been added at the Hotel. Guests who opt into this will serve as the waiting list for the Awards Gala. Guests of the Live Viewing will be served the Gala’s 4th Course (a choice of cheese plate or dessert) and will receive two beer/wine tickets. There is a limit of two Live Viewing tickets per Chamber business or organization.
Again, registration is open only to Chamber members in good standing on a first come, first serve basis. The online portal will open Monday, March 15 at 8:00 AM.
More information will be shared as details are solidified.