BACC release - On Saturday, January 24, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Banquet and Meeting, welcoming more than 320 attendees to celebrate outstanding businesses, individuals, and organizations that made a meaningful impact in 2025.  Nominees for 2025 Chamber Business of the Year included Midwest Coast Flooring, South Coast Shopper, Pony Village Mall, Pacific Seafood, It’s Romance Bookshop, Addcox Heating, Thrifty Sisters, and Campbell K9 University and Daycare. The award was presented to Pacific Seafood in recognition of its commitment to youth and families, including its collaboration with local students to create an art wall in Charleston.  Nominees for Citizen of the Year were Greg Dalton (CASA), Sommer Skogman (Midwest Coast Flooring), Scott Cooper (AYA – Alternative Youth Activities), Captain John Blanchard (Fisherman’s Wharf), Simon Alonzo (Pony Village Mall, Bay Area Hospital Board & Primal Properties), Anthony Hernandez (Coos Bay Toyota), Terry Cheyne (SWOCC Diesel Program), and Sam Baugh (Advanced Health) The 2025 Citizen of the Year award was presented to Scott Cooper of AYA – Alternative Youth Activities for his tireless work supporting youth through education, workforce training, and safe housing initiatives. Cooper credited his dedicated team at AYA for their continued commitment to building a strong future for the next generation.  The President’s Award was presented to Lisa Miller Farr of Farr’s Hardware for her dedication to the Chamber and her consistent support of others. Serving as Secretary on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Farr brings positivity, leadership, and fresh ideas to board meetings, the Home Show Committee, and the Leadership Coos Steering Committee.  The 2025 Chamber Member of the Year award went to Sommer Skogman of Midwest Coast Flooring. Nominated in three categories—Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Chamber Member of the Year—Skogman’s recognition reflects her deep commitment to the community and the Chamber. She is a constant supporter of Chamber initiatives and other business-building organizations, including Women in Business through CCD Business Development.  The Community Award honors professionals working within business development organizations who help stabilize businesses, support entrepreneurs, and foster economic growth. This year’s award was presented to:  Lexie Woodward of the South Coast Development Council, Mary Loiselle and Derek Tonn of the Small Business Development Center at SWOCC, and Theresa Haga of CCD Business Development. Together, these organizations exemplified collaboration, breaking down barriers between agencies and working closely with the Chamber to strengthen support for the business community.  The Prefontaine Award, presented by the Steve Prefontaine Foundation, recognizes student-athletes who excel in both academics and athletics. Presented this year by Jay Farr, the award went to Bodey Lutes, a Marshfield graduate who surpassed Steve Prefontaine’s 800-meter record by six seconds and helped lead his relay team to additional record-breaking performances.  Each year, award recipients are selected from community nominations by a committee of Bay Area Chamber of Commerce board members. The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate deserving businesses and individuals for 2025.