Awards Gala

Save the date! January 17, 2025

The Chamber’s annual Awards Gala is the highest-profile business affair in Mason County and honors individuals and businesses for their contributions to the Chamber and Mason County. The semi-formal event includes an elaborate dinner, installation of the board of trustees, and the announcement of the award winners.

Make a nomination for the Annual Awards; nominations are open until October 31, 2024.

Chamber Celebrated Excellence, Community at January 12, 2024 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 12, for the Chamber’s 102nd 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 winners.

In her welcoming remarks, Chamber President & CEO Deidre Peterson effused, “Mason County brims with innovative entrepreneurs, compassionate individuals, and collaborative efforts. We are fortunate to gather in celebrating the extraordinary businesses and people who are making our community better.”

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

Prior to the first course, Champagne Sponsor Susan Kirchoff of The Youth Connection took her time at the stage to share gratitude for the Chamber and the community. Toast Sponsor Melanie Bakala of State Farm Insurance delivered an Ode to 2023 highlighting the momentous occasions and milestones reached, proclaiming “My hope is that kindness prevails and we give each other grace. As we embark on this new year, please join me in raising your glass high and welcoming 2024 with cheer!!”

Guests enjoyed a four-course meal, paired with wines, which were sponsored by The Optical Shop of WA, Newman Family Chiropractic, EI. Kristyn & Son Construction, Inc., and Hood Canal Communications. The menu showcased Little Creek’s culinary skills and made an upscale, seasonal spin on classic fare. A salad with poached pears and bleu cheese was followed by scallop and shrimp timbale, a crab stuffed halibut and demi glazed filet, and impressive trios of dessert or cheeses.

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 2023 including: a record high membership, launching a program for members to make a voluntary contribution of 10% above their regular dues investment to provide support during difficult times, increased engagement and meaningful opportunities for members and volunteers to plug-in, and continuing to advocating on issues that matter. The Honorable George Steele also formally installed the 2024 board of directors.

The culminating event, of course, was the awards presentation by Peterson 2023 Chamber Board Chair Kyle Skarra of Builders FirstSource. All of the finalists were highlighted with a video touting their accomplishments and the winners were named: Chairperson’s Choice Joe Schmit; Volunteer of the Year Peter Zhang; Nonprofit of the Year Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center; Rookie of the Year Wilde Irish Pub; Citizen of the Year Amy Cooper; Boss of the Year Jennifer Duncan of Peninsula Credit Union; and Business of the Year Verle’s Sporting Goods & Marine.

Finally, 2024 Chamber Board Chair Jamie Mell of Mell Property Management closed the evening by extending her congratulations to all of the award finalists and thanking the event sponsors, LCCR team, and Chamber staff & volunteers.

We hope you enjoyed this article of the Annual Awards Gala commemorating the fête and honoring our incredible community.

A list of all past award recipients can be found here. 

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