The 115th Ashland Chamber Annual Dinner was held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites to a capacity crowd of over 230 people representing business owners, government and non-profit leaders and donors.
Gary Blake, 2021-2023 President of the Board of Directors, served as Master of Ceremonies thanking those who operate our small businesses, sharing accomplishments of the Chamber over the past year and honoring Board members, Past Presidents, committee chairs and community partners. He presented the gavel to Deena Branson who will serve as President for 2023-24 having served in the 2019-21 years.
Past Presidents were honored for their decades of dedication to the Chamber:
Left to right: Jim Teece (2001-02), Meiwen Richards (2009-10), Bob Rasmussen (1995-96), Barbara Allen (1987-88), Mary Gardiner (2017-19), Dennis Slattery (1991-93), Gary Blake (2021-23), Cindy Bernard (2013-15), Marie Lange (2015-17), Deena Branson (2019-21)
Retiring Board members recognized for their contributions to the Chamber:
Eli Katkin, Brickroom Restaurant and
Anne Robison, The Crown Jewel
Dr. David Humphrey, SOU Oregon College of the Arts, was the featured speaker on the theme for the dinner:
Honorary Life Member: Dana Welsh
Presented by Sandra Slattery
Citizen of the Year: Ashland Residents who volunteer and donate to the arts Presented by Gary Blake
Gary Blake, 2021-2023 President of the Board of Directors, served as Master of Ceremonies thanking those who operate our small businesses, sharing accomplishments of the Chamber over the past year and honoring Board members, Past Presidents, committee chairs and community partners. He presented the gavel to Deena Branson who will serve as President for 2023-24 having served in the 2019-21 years.
Entertainment was provided by Cellist, Daniel Sperry.
A surprise pop-up musical event by Southern Oregon Repertory Singers wowed the crowd
Past Presidents were honored for their decades of dedication to the Chamber:
Left to right: Jim Teece (2001-02), Meiwen Richards (2009-10), Bob Rasmussen (1995-96), Barbara Allen (1987-88), Mary Gardiner (2017-19), Dennis Slattery (1991-93), Gary Blake (2021-23), Cindy Bernard (2013-15), Marie Lange (2015-17), Deena Branson (2019-21)
Retiring Board members recognized for their contributions to the Chamber:
Eli Katkin, Brickroom Restaurant and
Anne Robison, The Crown Jewel
Dr. David Humphrey, SOU Oregon College of the Arts, was the featured speaker on the theme for the dinner:
Ashland – Where Nature and Culture Come Together
The highlight of the evening are always the awards
which were given to the following individuals:
which were given to the following individuals:
Greeter of the Year: Jeffery Nagel & Robynne Whitaker of the NW Real Estate Team
Presented by Dana Preston
Spoken Word by Blaine Lindsey
On “Greeters”
Visitor Industry Leader of the Year
Vicki Capp of The Iris Inn
Presented by Katharine Cato
Sustainable Business of the Year:
Recology Ashland and Oregon Center for the Arts
Presented by Katharine Cato
Volunteer of the Year: Catherine Lutes
Presented by Sandra Slattery
Presented by Dana Preston
Spoken Word by Blaine Lindsey
On “Greeters”
Visitor Industry Leader of the Year
Vicki Capp of The Iris Inn
Presented by Katharine Cato
Sustainable Business of the Year:
Recology Ashland and Oregon Center for the Arts
Presented by Katharine Cato
Volunteer of the Year: Catherine Lutes
Presented by Sandra Slattery
Honorary Life Member: Dana Welsh
Presented by Sandra Slattery
Citizen of the Year: Ashland Residents who volunteer and donate to the arts Presented by Gary Blake
Board of Directors for 2023-24
Don Anway – Neuman Hotel Group
Marsha Billeci – Evergreen Federal Bank
Gary Blake, Recology Ashland – Past President
Deena Branson – Branson’s Chocolates – President for 2023-24
Catherine Greenspan – New York Life Insurance & Two Sisters Writing & Publishing
Julie Gurwell – Hearsay Restaurant, Lounge & Garden
Eric Hansen – True South Solar
Jordan Pease – Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library
Chris Spirko – Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker
Dr. Susan Walsh – SOU Provost
Eric Weisinger – Weisinger Family Winery
Greg White – Reinholdt & O’Harra Insurance
Ex-officio members:
SOU President – Dr. Rick Bailey
School Superintendent – Samuel Bogdanove
Kristin Roy - Asante Ashland Community Hospital
Tyler Hokama – OSF Executive Director
Joe Lessard – City Manager
Council liaison – Gina DuQuenne
Don Anway – Neuman Hotel Group
Marsha Billeci – Evergreen Federal Bank
Gary Blake, Recology Ashland – Past President
Deena Branson – Branson’s Chocolates – President for 2023-24
Catherine Greenspan – New York Life Insurance & Two Sisters Writing & Publishing
Julie Gurwell – Hearsay Restaurant, Lounge & Garden
Eric Hansen – True South Solar
Jordan Pease – Rogue Valley Metaphysical Library
Chris Spirko – Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker
Dr. Susan Walsh – SOU Provost
Eric Weisinger – Weisinger Family Winery
Greg White – Reinholdt & O’Harra Insurance
Ex-officio members:
SOU President – Dr. Rick Bailey
School Superintendent – Samuel Bogdanove
Kristin Roy - Asante Ashland Community Hospital
Tyler Hokama – OSF Executive Director
Joe Lessard – City Manager
Council liaison – Gina DuQuenne
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Ashland Chamber of Commerce | 110 E. Main Street. Ashland, OR 97520 | (541) 482-3486
Office Hours: 10am-3pm, Monday through Friday
Office Hours: 10am-3pm, Monday through Friday
