Gala Awards Presentations [video]

Ten awards were presented at the 97th Annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala. The awards are given during a special ceremony held at the Ross Ragland Theater where the recipients are honored. Below are the presentations and speeches from those awards. 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional business achievement and outstanding commitment to Klamath’s business community over their lifetime. Must be a business leader in Klamath County and be a member of the Chamber. Must have participated in the Klamath business community for a minimum of 20 years.

Winner: William Ganong

Pathfinder Award

Awarded to presidents, principals or chief executive officers for devoting time and energy to strengthen and transform the organization that they lead. This includes specific situations or initiatives where the recipient's insight, discernment and ability to lead and inspire have guided their organization to a new level of growth, achievement and recognition.

Winner: Chad Olney, Pacific Crest FCU

Commitment to Community Award

Awarded to any organization in any industry that demonstrates a successful approach to corporate social responsibility and can show a positive impact on the community.

Winner: Millard Dental

Spirit of Entrepreneurism Award

Awarded to an individual who exhibits an entrepreneurial spirit, originality, personal integrity, and influence. Awarded to an individual who has taken risks in business (could be started a new venture, expanded into a new area, taken on a difficult project, demonstrates “outside the box” thinking, or demonstrate a vision for the future).

Winner: Chelsea Brosterhous

Big IDEA Innovation Award

Awarded to an organization in any industry that employs new ideas or approaches to doing business. Innovation could fill an unmet need, create attention, be different or better than existing products, exceed market expectations, achieve financial success, or improve business systems.

Winner: Klamath Works

Best Place to Work Award

Two categories: 15 or less employees and 16 or more employees; presented to an organization that, through its innovation and dedication, provides employees with an outstanding positive, healthy and productive workplace.

Winner <15 Employees: Bogatay Construction
Winner >16 Employees: Pacific Crest FCU

Environmental Leadership Award

Awarded to any organization in any industry that demonstrates an alignment with clean energy or clean technology practices.

Winner: EcoSolar

Ambassador of the Year

Awarded to the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year.

Winner: Johanna Scholer.

Presidents Award

Awarded by the 2017 Klamath County Chamber of Commerce President, Wes French for exceptional service and dedication to the Chamber.

Winner: John Longley

Read more on the story of the Gala and see more photos at https://kfne.ws/2EnzQ4c