Baker County Chamber Marks 100 Years, Honors Community at Annual Banquet

Diana Brown was named Woman of the Year at the Baker County Chamber of Commerce's 100th anniversary banquet Saturday, and the monthly speaker series she helps coordinate at the Baker Heritage Museum won Event of the Year, a rare double recognition tied to one of Baker City's most active civic contributors.

The Chamber held its Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony on March 28 at the Baker County Event Center, marking a century of organizing local business and civic life in Baker County. Twelve awards were distributed across categories spanning agriculture, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and tourism. Chamber leaders used the centennial milestone to look ahead, discussing priorities for Baker County's economic development: small business growth, workforce challenges, and downtown revitalization.

Brian Vegter was named Man of the Year. He and his wife, Corrine, own Churchill School, the historic building they renovated and now use to host concerts and community events, pulling a piece of Baker City's architectural history back into active civic life.

Superior Towing was named Business of the Year, and Fred's Truck & Auto Repair took Entrepreneur of the Year honors, putting two local service employers in the spotlight. The Central Park splash pad won Project of the Year, recognizing a public recreation investment that broadens downtown Baker City's appeal for families and out-of-town visitors.

Jessica Hobson was recognized as Hospitality and Tourism Champion. John and Janice Wirth received the Excellence in Agriculture award, a category that reflects one of Baker County's defining economic sectors. The Wade Williams Foundation was named Nonprofit of the Year.

Lisa Jones received the Mindy Sherrieb Volunteer Award, honoring the unpaid civic work that sustains the county's organizations and services. Janice Plumbtree was recognized as Legacy Woman of the Year, and Norm Kolb as Legacy Man of the Year.

As the Chamber enters its second century, the awards night served as both a celebration of what Baker County has built and a marker of the work still ahead.