North Mason chamber honors members at annual gala

The North Mason Chamber of Commerce celebrated the best of business and people in 2021 at its annual gala Sept. 17 at Alderbrook Resort in Union.

Five awards were handed out at the gala, including citizen of the year going to Dr. Don LePere of Kiwanis Club of North Mason. LePere has been a member of North Mason Kiwanis Club since 1985 and has been the secretary for 34 years.

In the business of the year category, Peninsula Community Federal Credit Union won. The credit union offered PPP loans to communities, resulting in helping 135 businesses and 551 employees for a total of $5,868,965.

The nonprofit organization of the year award was given to Belfair Youth Connection. The organization serves people ages 12 to 24 and helps them with meals, secure storage, rent and utilities, case management, life skills and daily needs. There's also a Youth Connection location in Shelton.

Chamber member of the year went to Leanne Sanchez of Hood Canal Travel. Sanchez joined the chamber in 1999 and became a trustee in 2000 and was on the board from 2000 to 2008. She stepped down from the board and returned as trustee in 2011. She is a founding member of the North Mason Rotary and was president of the club in 2020 and 2021. Sanchez is a Hood Canal native.

The chairman's choice award went to Greg Oldham. North Mason Chamber of Commerce Chairman Darren Corliss presented the award and spoke about Oldham's contributions to the chamber, including serving as a board member since 2005 and was recruited as a board trustee one week later. Oldham has been a member at large, chair elect, chairman, government affairs committee and is the current secretary and member of the chamber's Business Advisory Group. He was president and CEO of the North Mason Chamber from 2010 to 2012.

Author Bio

Matt Baide, Reporter

Shelton-Mason County Journal & Belfair Herald
Email: [email protected]

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