North Mason Chamber honors members at annual gala
Over Valentine’s Day weekend, members of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce embraced love — a love for making the community a better place by recognizing the hard work of nonprofits, businesses and individuals.
The chamber’s annual Red & White Installation Gala and Memorable Moments Auction, Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union, featured several memorable moments, including a special address from Congressman Derek Kilmer of Gig Harbor.
“I always leave here with a sense of hope and excitement about what’s going on in this community,” Kilmer told gala attendees. “Thank you for the contributions you’re making … I’ve got your back. I am very grateful for what you do and want to do all I can to help you.”
The chamber also awarded Shawna Stice-Hawley of Edward Jones Investments with Member of the Year, while Past Chairman Chris Ladner bestowed the Chairman’s Choice Award to longtime trustee Margie Kaiser of Peninsula Credit Union.
The award recipients and presenters echoed Kilmer’s statements about North Mason being a great place to live and work.
“This is an amazing community to be in,” said Farrah Ocasio, board president of Faith in Action Senior Services, which celebrated a banner year with the opening of the new HUB Center for Seniors. “I can’t be more grateful for the community and the things we have been able to do.”
Troy Jasmin, owner of Computer Creations NW in Belfair, was speechless for several minutes at the podium, a surprise to chamber members who ironically call him “Quiet Troy” for his booming voice.
“I’ve joined many chambers over the years, but with this one I didn’t feel like I was joining a chamber, I felt like I was joining a family,” he said. “My business has probably grown by 300 percent since I joined the chamber.”
Harlow thanked community members who have supported the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group at the Salmon Center for helping her over the years, including retired dentist and fellow Kiwanian Don LePere, Mason County Commissioner Randy Neatherlin and Dr. Brian Petersen.
“I didn’t ever think of the work that we do as work,” said Harlow, who also recognized her fellow nominees (LePere, Petersen, Joy Jenne, Dana Rosenbach and Denise Sarchet). “I get to do the work that I love.”
The chamber raised more than $3,000 for its programs, including the beautification committee, at an auction emceed by Chairman Jeromy Hicks and trustee Katie Hopkins.
The chamber’s 2017-2018 trustees include Cherie Cloud, Darren Corliss, Pam Hanson, Hicks, Cliff Higashi, Hopkins, Kim Johnson, Patti Kleist, Kris Klusman, Ladner, Neatherlin, Greg Oldham, Rosenbach, Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury, Leanne Sanchez, Stice-Hawley, Pam Volz and Pamela White.
By: Arla Shephard Bull
Source: Kitsap Sun