2018 Top Mixologist – Caitlin Hilligoss of Peerless Restaurant, Hotel & Gardens- was recognized from last year’s Ashland Culinary Festival. She will return this year to defend her title at the 13th Ashland Culinary Festival November 7th – 10th, 2019.
Green Business of the Year- NW Raw - for their partnership with local farms for produce and composting and their glass jar program.
Retail Business of the Year- Northwest Nature Shop- for their success as a family run retailer since 1985 and continued expansion of products.
Service Business of the Year- Julie O’Dwyer Design- for Julie’s dedication and service to her clients and her participation in various organizations throughout Ashland
Manufacturing Business of the Year- MaraNatha- for their commitment to produce the highest quality product and distribute it across the country.
Emerging Business of the Year- Bestow & Bloom and Bestow- for their growth, new location and community workspace on the south side of town.
Greeter of the Year- Daniel Perry Walkup - for his warm, welcoming personality and helping to create an atmosphere where new businesspeople feel comfortable and supported.
Chamber Volunteers of the Year-Elliot and Liesje Blank - for rolling up their sleeves and offering to volunteer at every Chamber event with a smile on their faces.
Special Recognition for Outstanding Achievement- Osher Life Long Learning - for 25 years of offering quality programming, mental stimulation and social connectedness to Ashlanders primarily over the age of 50.
Community Volunteer - Tom Foster- Tom Foster for his sincere dedication to creating the Lithia Park Nature Walks, guiding, training and ensuring this legacy continues.
Citizen of the Year- Amigo Club of Ashland - They started as a Friendship Committee in 1968 which became the nucleus for the Amigo Club of Ashland.
Honorary Life Member- Leo Van Dijk- for his outstanding personal contributions to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce and Ashland community for over fifty years. Along with a handful of other people he helped to form the Amigo Club and, with his wife, Marianne, are still active members today.
All photos by Graham Lewis