Annual Chamber Banquet
For nearly a century, the Annual Chamber Banquet has stood as Baker County's most enduring celebration of community, commerce, and civic pride. This signature event brings together leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens from across the region to honor the people and organizations shaping Baker County's future.
Held each spring, the banquet serves as the Chamber of Commerce's formal gathering of its membership- a moment to reflect on the past year's achievements, acknowledge outstanding contributions, and reaffirm the collective mission of supporting a thriving economy. The evening culminates in a heartfelt awards ceremony, where honors such as Man and Woman of the Year, Legacy Awards, Business of the Year, and Excellence in Agriculture are announced live to a packed room, with recipients often learning of their award for the first time as their names are read.
What began more than nine decades ago as a modest community dinner has grown into one of the county's most anticipated annual events. Through times of prosperity and challenge, the banquet has remained a constant- marking the rhythm of Baker County's progress and celebrating the individuals and institutions who make it possible.
A night to remember: Appreciating community and devotion
Spring 2025 Banquet winners:
Legacy Man of the Year
Richard Chaves
Legacy Woman of the Year
Ginger Grimes Savage
Man of the Year
Sheriff Travis Ash
Woman of the Year
Be Tiedemann
Business of the Year
The Grove Team
Excellence in Agriculture
Blatchford Farms Inc.
Project/Event of the Year .1
Baker Rural Fire Rescue
Project/Event of the Year .2
Keating Rural Fire
Entrepreneur of the Year
Haines Stagecoach Gifts
Event Sponsored By:
Baker County Chamber Banquet
Categories
Business of the Year
Honors a business demonstrating outstanding performance, community investment, innovation, and leadership during 2025–2026.
Excellence in Agriculture
Recognizes a farm, ranch, or ag enterprise advancing the industry through stewardship, quality, and community contribution.
Event of the Year
Celebrates a public-facing event (festival, fundraiser, symposium, etc.) that delivered strong attendance, impact, and execution.
Project of the Year
Recognizes a defined initiative (infrastructure, beautification, workforce, redevelopment, etc.) with measurable results and lasting benefits.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Honors a founder/owner who launched or significantly scaled a venture (Jan 1, 2024–Dec 31, 2025) with clear traction and resilience.
Woman of the Year
Acknowledges an individual whose volunteerism, leadership, and integrity significantly improved Baker County quality of life in 2024–2025.
Man of the Year
Acknowledges an individual whose volunteerism, leadership, and integrity significantly improved Baker County quality of life in 2024–2025.
Legacy Woman of the Year
Honors 25+ years of sustained community impact and exemplary service; may be awarded posthumously.
Legacy Man of the Year
Honors 25+ years of sustained community impact and exemplary service; may be awarded posthumously.
Hospitality & Tourism Champion
Recognizes a person, business, or collaboration that measurably elevated visitor experience, destination brand, or tourism economy.
Nonprofit of the Year
Honors a 501(c)(3)/(c)(6) delivering high outcome-per-dollar impact, transparent stewardship, and strong partnerships.
The Mindy Sherrieb Volunteer of the Year Award
Celebrates an individual whose hands-on service, reliability, and initiative made an outsized difference in 2024–2025.
Nomination form
PAST WINNERS INCLUDE:
- 2008 — Gary Yeoumans
- 2009 — John Leonard
- 2010 — Michael Nelson
- 2011 — Randall Guyer
- 2012 — Terry Schumaker
- 2013 — Dave Lindley
- 2014 — Ralph Smead
- 2015 — Hal Huntington
- 2016 — John Hardwick
- 2017 — Rick Taylor
- 2018 — Judd Huff
- 2008 — Marian Brown
- 2009 — E Jay Weber & Maryalys Urey
- 2010 — Lynne Burroughs
- 2011 — Shirley McPheron
- 2012 — Virgina Kostol
- 2013 — Nancy Myers
- 2014 — Ann Mehaffy
- 2015 — Joyce Badgley Hunsaker
- 2016 — Lynette Perry
- 2017 — Kathy Taylor
- 2018 — Mary Jane Guyer
- 2008 — Tom Brock
- 2009 — Dennis Wright
- 2010 — John Osborn
- 2011 — Jeff Nelson
- 2012 — Martin Arritola
- 2013 — Kurt Miller
- 2014 — Blake Marlia
- 2015 — Milburn (Mib) Dailey
- 2016 — Cliff Cole
- 2017 — Dave Cowan
- 2018 — Clay McEnroe
- 2008 — Kathleen Chaves
- 2009 — Lynette Perry
- 2010 — Cristi Vega
- 2011 — Dotty Miles
- 2012 — Leita Seiber-Barr
- 2013 — Roberta (Byrt) McCall
- 2014 — Rosemary Abell
- 2015 — Michelle Paoletti
- 2016 — Susan Castles & Carmen Ott
- 2017 — Mary Collard
- 2018 — Michelle Kaseberg
- 2008 — Lew Brothers / Les Schwab Tire Center
- 2009 — Sumpter Valley Railroad
- 2010 — Chaves Consulting
- 2011 — Paul’s Transmission
- 2012 — Barley Brown’s
- 2013 — Elkhorn Adult Foster Home
- 2014 — Baker City Herald
- 2015 — Natural Structures
- 2016 — Oregon Trail Restaurant
- 2017 — Snake River PCS
- 2018 — Superior Towing
- 2008 — Dan Forsea Ranch & Richland Feed & Seed
- 2009 — Bunch Family Ranch
- 2010 — Defrees Ranch
- 2011 — Pickard Ranch
- 2012 — Baker County Livestock Association
- 2013 — Cliff’s Saws & Cycles
- 2014 — Ralph & Myrna Morgan
- 2015 — Ted & Diane Bloomer
- 2016 — Deryl Leggett
- 2017 — Myron Miles
- 2018 — Copperbelt Winery
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