Save the Date for the 74th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet – March 8, 2025

Save the date (March 8, 2025) to celebrate servant leaders in the Salem community at one of the biggest events of the year, the First Citizen Awards Banquet! Join fellow business and non-profit leaders for an evening of entertainment as we recognize the philanthropists, community leaders, and volunteers who give their time, treasure, and talent every day to make Salem a better place to live and work.

2025 Nominations Are Open!

Since 1950, the Salem Chamber has honored those who exemplify servant leadership with the First Citizen Awards. These are individuals who — through their business, volunteering, and philanthropic efforts — improve the lives of those in the community by serving first. Held each spring, the First Citizen Awards Banquet recognizes individuals in the categories of Outstanding Young Professional, Distinguished Service Award, and the Salem Chamber’s highest individual honor, the First Citizen Award. See past recipients here.

73rd Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet

Thank you to the nearly 500 community members and guests who joined us for the 73rd Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet at the Salem Convention Center on April 13, 2024! We hope you join us again next year as we celebrate servant leadership in our community.

See below for a list of the 2024 honorees, our Facebook photo gallery, and the video recording of the event.

2024 Honorees:

• Sam Skillern – Salem First Citizen
• Kathy Gordon – Distinguished Service Award
• Barry Nelson – Distinguished Service Award
• Conrad Venti – Outstanding Young Professional

Photo Gallery

Video