First Citizen Awards Banquet
75th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet – April 18, 2026
As one of the most anticipated community events in Salem each year and our annual opportunity to recognize our most distinguished and deserving servant leaders, the First Citizen Awards Banquet will be extra special in 2026 as we commemorate the event’s 75th year!
DATE: Saturday, April 18, 2026
TIME: 6:00PM Reception, 7:00PM Program
WHERE: Salem Convention Center
COST: $75 per person (dinner included)
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.
Nominations
We invite you to nominate a deserving individual for a 2026 First Citizen Award!
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, Non-Profit Leadership Award, and the Salem Chamber’s highest individual honor, the First Citizen Award. See past recipients here.
Note: A nominee does not have to be a Salem Chamber member. They can be anyone who goes above and beyond to serve the community in a devoted, passionate, inspiring, and/or humble way.
Nominations close on February 27, 2026.
74th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet
Thank you to the nearly 500 community members and guests who joined us for the 74th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet at the Salem Convention Center on March 8, 2025! We hope you join us again next year as we celebrate servant leadership in our community.
See below for a list of the 2025 honorees, our Facebook photo gallery, and the video recording of the event.
2025 Honorees:
- Gregg Peterson – Salem First Citizen
- Derek Gilbert – Distinguished Service Award
- Ronnie Brooks – Distinguished Service Award
- Andrew Holbert – Outstanding Young Professional
Video
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all of our sponsors for their support and partnership in bringing you the First Citizen Awards Banquet. Your commitment and generosity make this event outstanding.
Interested in being a sponsor? Email events@salemchamber.org.