Pendleton Chamber honors First Citizens

PENDLETON – The Pendleton Chamber of Commerce held its 2024 First Citizens Banquet at the Pendleton Convention Center this evening (Friday). The theme for this year’s event was “Fire and Ice.” The organization named its Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Business of the Year and handed out other awards as well.

Kathryn Brown is Pendleton’s 2024 Woman of the Year. Among her many contributions, Brown spearheaded the creation of the Pendleton Children’s Center to address the city’s childcare crisis. As the chair for the Pendleton Parks and Recreation Commission, she has led efforts to improve public spaces, including the redevelopment of Til Taylor Park and building new pickleball courts. She also is an organizer of the annual S.U.R.E River Cleanup along the Umatilla River.

Brown also serves on regional and statewide boards including Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, and the Eastern Oregon Leadership Council for the Oregon Community Foundation. She also helped oversee the transition of the East Oregonian and is credited with prioritizing the well being of employees and the paper’s role in the community.

The 2024 Man of the Year is Phil Garton. From his early years in Pendleton he is credited with leadership, hard work, and an enduring love for his hometown. Decades ago he helped establish the New Optimist Club which has become known as the Pendleton City Club. He co-founded the Pendleton Youth Football program and served for nine years as the chairman of the Homestead Youth Lodge.

In 1989, Garton helped lead the charge to transform the stalled idea of Pendleton Underground Tours to reality. He organized work parties and rallied volunteers to help it become a thriving historical attraction. He was also praised for his devotion to his family while maintaining his commitment to serving others.

Pendleton Catering Company is the 2024 Business of the Year. From intimate gatherings to huge community events, the company has set what is described as the gold standard for catering in the region, serving over 400 events annually. With a team of more than 20 employees, PCC has extended its expertise to a number of large events including the Pendleton Whisky Music Fest, Jackalope Jamboree, and the Pendleton Round-Up. Owner Missy Fairbank and her staff provide free kitchen space for fundraising events, support local National Guard soldiers and their families, and step up in times of crisis including feeding wildfire crews at a moment’s notice.

Travis Cortez of Trendsitions, Inc. is named 2024 Boss of the Year. He was praised for fostering a family-like environment built on trust, open communication and a balance between work and life. His staff says he offers autonomy, constructive feedback, and continuous support. He is also vice president of the Pendleton Downtown Association and an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce. He is credited with going above and beyond for his staff and clients.

Jeff Hamilton is the 2024 employee of the year. An employee for the city of Pendleton, Hamilton was lauded for his dedication to both the Pendleton Aquatic Center and the ice rink in Roy Raley Park. He works tirelessly and is credited with launching community programs like the Annual Duck Race, the swimming program’s scholarship fund, and Skating with Santa. He serves as a mentor to more than 70 summer employees and those who nominated him say his reputation as a leader in the aquatics industry extends beyond Pendleton, with professionals across the region seeking his expertise.  

The 2024 Volunteer of the Year is Sylvia Clawson, recognized for her decades-long dedication to Pendleton. Her time, energy, and financial support have enriched a number of groups and organizations. They include the Oregon East Symphony, Pendleton Center for the Arts, the Blue Mountain Community College Foundation, Cason’s Place, the Altrusa Kids At Risk Empowerment (KARE) program, the Delphian Club and many others. Her involvement spans the arts, education, healthcare, and social services.

MyCB photos by Dan Thesman

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