Awards Gala will look different, but carry on

Following what seems to be the strangest year ever, we look forward toward recovery and reopening. The entire State of Washington is in Stage Two, the vaccine is being steadily rolled out, and the promise of normalcy is barely visible on the horizon.

As things begin to look up, the Chamber is taking the time also take a look back and champion all that our business community has accomplished. 2020 was full of surprises and changes, however, there was also great accomplishments, resiliency, and reinvention. As we begin to plan for this year’s Awards Gala it will be far different from what we’ve experienced in the past, but we will still celebrate the many incredible people and organizations who are supporting our community.

In less than one month, the Chamber received 158 nominations for its annual awards. The Member Services Committee did their homework and due diligence in reviewing the nominees and narrowed the slate to just three finalists for each category. The categories include Boss of the Year, Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Community Supporter (nonprofit) of the Year, and Rookie of the Year (business opened in the past 24 months). For a list of past recipients click here.

At the beginning of March, the nominees were notified of the outcome and finalists began to visit Cooper Studios to have their photograph taken. On the week of March 15, all Chamber members in good standing will be able to cast one vote per award category. The finalist with the most votes wins the title – only Chamber staff know the outcome until the event.

The event will take place at 7 o’clock on Friday, April 16 at Little Creek Casino Resort‘s Skookum Event Center. Safety protocol will be strictly enforced and guests will arrive within a scheduled time period and ushered directly to their table. In usual circumstances, the venue can hold more than 800 guests. Occupancy will now be at less than 1/6 of capacity and seat only six guests per table.

The event will continue to offer a four-course meal expertly paired with wine and the evening’s agenda will include the installation of the Board of Trustees, a review of the Chamber’s 2020 successes, and the announcement of the Award Winners.

Tickets are currently available only to Award Finalists, Chamber Board Members, and Event Sponsors. On Monday, March 15 at 8:00 am, tickets will open to the Chamber’s full membership on a first come, first serve basis with a limit of two tickets per business or organization.

More information will be shared as details are solidified.