On Saturday, April 18, 2026, nearly 600 members of the Salem community gathered to celebrate servant leadership at the Salem Convention Center for the 75th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet!
This milestone celebration recognized six individuals, including one dynamic couple, for their service work in our community:
2026 Honorees:
- Salem First Citizens – Laura & Dan Dorn
- Legacy of Leadership Award – Larry Tokarski
- Distinguished Service Award – Carlee Wright
- Nonprofit Leadership Award – Tony Frazier
- Outstanding Young Professional – Alex Ferry
The incredible evening also included heartwarming videos of the Chamber, friends, and family surprising each recipient with the news of their recognition, as well as special tributes to our First Citizens and Legacy of Leadership Award recipient.
The Salem Chamber thanks the First Citizen Awards Banquet Nomination and Event Committees; the Manny Martinez Jazz Quartet for providing the evening’s live music; Katie Arnold for performing the National Anthem; the Salem Convention Center for providing the venue and meal; our volunteer Salem Chamber Ambassadors; and the event’s emcee, Barry Nelson, for hosting the program.
The Chamber also recognizes all of its 2026 First Citizen Awards Banquet sponsors for helping us continue this proud and important tradition in its milestone 75th year.
Presenting Sponsors: Mountain West Center for Community Excellence and Pioneer Trust Bank
VIP Room Sponsor: Local Plumbing
House Pour Sponsor: Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions
Gold Sponsors: Allied Video Productions, Empire Roofing, Green Acres Landscape, Huggins Insurance, Neighborly Ventures, Oregon Oncology Specialists, Saalfeld Griggs PC, Sunco Homes & Remodeling, and Withnell Battle Creek Co.
Silver Sponsors: Aldrich CPAs + Advisors; AmeriTitle; Capitol Auto Group; Collier Law; Fidelity National Title; Fischer, Hayes, Joye & Allen, LLC; Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant; Landmark Professional Mortgage Company; NW Natural; Portland General Electric; Rich Duncan Construction; VIP’s Industries; and Willamette Valley Bank
Wine Sponsor: RH Estate Wines
Print Sponsor: Select Impressions
Photography Sponsor: OnBrand Photography
Balloon Decor Sponsor: Rose City Balloons
Signage Sponsor: FASTSIGNS
Floral Sponsor: Roth’s Fresh Markets
Program Entertainment Sponsor: Manny Martinez Jazz Quartet
Social Hour Entertainment Sponsors: Finn The Magician, Melissa Terrall (Terrall Piano Studio) & Willamette Valley Music Company
Video and Live Event Production Sponsor: Allied Video Productions
Graphic Design Sponsor: Pac/West Lobby Group
Photo Booth Sponsors: Fitzpatrick Painting & Construction and Apogee Events
