Leaders of the Twin Cities business community gathered in Centralia on Friday to celebrate a year of growth, service and community.
The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet at the TransAlta Commons on the Centralia College Campus. The event opened with a silent auction, drinks and dinner before moving on to a live auction and the announcement of three community awards that are handed out annually.
Three important members of the chamber moved on and off the stage to guide the event, deliver short speeches, lift up local business and present awards. Chamber Executive Board member and emcee of the event, Chris Thomas, was first to take the stage and quickly introduced Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Mudge, who welcomed all in attendance, including special recognition for many local elected officials, and celebrated the chamber’s 2025 ribbon cuttings.
“You hear about our ribbon cuttings. You see them all the time. We did 41 businesses last year, and that's 41 businesses that either opened or expanded,” Mudge said. “And some of those businesses celebrated really long standing anniversaries.”
Mudge recognized Julie Shaffley, owner and operator of Good Health Nutrition Center in Centralia, for celebrating her business's 35th anniversary this year.
Mudge then introduced Chamber Executive Board chair and owner of The Silver Agency and The Chronicle, Coralee Taylor, who shared her own welcome and thanks. Taylor also took a moment to call for the business community to support two school levy proposals for the Centralia and Onalaska school districts, both appearing on the ballot in a February special election.
“If you live in Centralia or Onalaska school districts, please remember to vote and support our future generations,” Taylor said. “One day, they will be the ones supporting and leading our community. Investing in them today matters.”
Finally, the time came to present the first award of the evening.
Mudge introduced Christine Brower, the 2024 winner of the Ambassador-of-the-Year Award, to announce this year's winner for the same award. The award, as described by Brower, is given to an individual who is committed to supporting local business and advancing the chamber's mission to “promote, protect and inform.”
The award went to Cory Moses of Zen Events, Entertainment and ACG, who could not attend the evening’s event. However, Brower still had plenty to say of Moses, describing her as someone who was always ready to “jump in and help whenever it’s needed.”
“There isn't a silent auction that she can't make look like a million bucks,” Brower said. “And if you ever need to know where to find the best espresso martini, she's your lady. I've had the pleasure of working incredible events with her, and I look forward to many, many more.”
For the second award of the evening. Chamber Executive Board Vice Chair Jennifer Brown, of Evexia NW, came to the stage to present the Evergreen Award. The award was originally introduced by the chamber to honor a revered community member, the late Rob Fuller. It recognizes a business member “whose roots run deep” in the Centralia-Chehalis community and makes it stronger for the future. This year, the award was presented to Paula Burrows of the Paula Burrows Team eXp Realty.
Burrows was recognized for her service to the community, including support of local nonprofits and her service as president of Footsteps for Hope. The organization seeks to support children in all of Lewis County’s school districts by helping to supplement essential needs with additional food, new clothes and necessary hygiene products. Her support for other groups includes the Boys and Girls Club of Lewis County, Hope Alliance, the United Way of Lewis County and the Forgotten Children's Fund, just to name a few.
With her few moments to speak after accepting the award, Burrows advocated for continued community support of local children, highlighting the impact that support has in improving academic performance and community engagement.
“When our children have food insecurities, they don't want to go to school. They can't concentrate. They don't do well in school, and so the food has made a big difference,” Burrows said. “There is better attendance, better academics, less discipline and behavioral referrals.”
Next, Thomas led the room in a live auction featuring items including a free skiing trip to East Lewis County to enjoy the White Pass Ski Area, a Seattle Seahawks-branded tailgating kit — including tickets to a Seahawks game for next season — and some tools to make working outside a little easier for the coming spring, including a wheel barrow and brand new chainsaw.
Lastly, before the end of the event, Taylor presented the 2025 Business of the Year Award.
This year, it went to a business that Taylor said helps the community in one of the most “compassionate ways.”
The award was presented to Sticklin-Brown Funeral Chapel, led by Christine Vierra, who came to the stage with her team to accept the award.
“Since 1892, Stickland Funeral Chapel in Centralia has been helping families across Lewis County during times of loss, when families are navigating grief and uncertainty,” Taylor said. “So tonight, we proudly celebrate a business that strengthens our community, honors our neighbors and reminds us that care and kindness truly matters.”
