Annual Banquet
Early each year, the Chamber holds a themed gala-style banquet complete with lavishly decorated tables, silent auction, social hour, and raffle. This event draws over 500 guests ranging from small business employees and owners to CEOs and public officials. As well as the networking opportunities and the elaborately decorated tables, the event highlights are the celebrations of the Business and Non-profit of the Year awards.
We are gearing up for our 2026 Annual Banquet! We are excited to have you join us on April 16th, 2026 to celebrate the 25 Annual Banquet of the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you sponsors!
Presenting - LocalTel Communications
Registration - Wenatchee Valley Medical Group
Showcase Auction- Jones & Jones Bettes
Happy Hour-Business Health Trust, Planit 401k
Wine Pull- Trading Card Gallery
Best Decorated Table- American Family Insurance- Jake Davison Agency
Congratulations to our 2025 Business and non-profit of the year nominees!
2025 Business of the Year: Norwood Wine Bar
Owner Josh Thaut accepted the award, sharing that many describe such recognition as humbling, he stated now he understands why. He feels deeply grateful for the journey that led him here. He credited his family, especially his mother and sisters, for their encouragement and support, including their role in bringing him back to Wenatchee to build the business.
Thaut also recognized his creative partner, Suzie Walker, for helping launch the “Night Market on the Ave,” as well as Jenny Walker for her continued inspiration and support for helping to transform the Wenatchee Downtown.
2025 Nonprofit of the Year: Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council
CEO Alan Walker accepted the award and invited staff and board members in attendance to join him on stage, emphasizing the collective effort behind the organization’s success.
For more than 60 years, the organization has served Chelan and Douglas counties with a team of 35 staff and more than 450 volunteers. Their work to help individuals and families overcome poverty continues to play a vital role in the region’s overall well-being and economic stability.
2025 Visit Wenatchee Tourism Impact Award: Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
The award was accepted by General Manager Matt Neubauer and Chief Marketing Officer Tony Hickok. Mission Ridge continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s tourism economy and a beloved destination for residents.
With more than 55,000 visitors annually, approximately 30% traveling from outside the area. The resort contributes an estimated $5 million to the local economy. As the organization celebrates 60 years of operation, leadership looks ahead to continued growth and impact in the decades to come.
2025 Cornerstone Award was awarded to Chrissy Schull
Chrissy Schull accepted the award, presented by Chelsea Ewer, in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the Business Development Advisory Committee (BDAC).
In addition to running her business, Schull has been a strong advocate for local entrepreneurs. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of representatives from the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, as well as Chelan and Douglas counties.
The committee is preparing to release a comprehensive 45-page toolkit designed to help small business owners navigate the startup process in saving time, reducing costs, and improving accessibility. The goal is to ensure that Wenatchee Valley is known as a place where starting a business is both achievable and supported.
We want people to say that “this community is easy to open a business”.
