2025 Outstanding Service Awards
Community Members Honored for their Service at
153rd Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Banquet
sponsored by Pacific Power
About 200 community members attended the 153rd Annual Meeting & Banquet for the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, January 24, 2026. As a chamber of commerce, we offer a variety of services to new, old, large & small businesses in the Astoria Warrenton area and our annual meeting is a way to celebrate all the wonderful things happening in our community.
Learn more about our event here.
“A major part of this gathering is to celebrate some remarkable businesses and individuals with the announcement of the winners of the Richard Ford Distinguished Service Award and the George Award. Our community thrives because of the involvement of our residents and business leaders. These awards are among the most prestigious, highest honors our community can give to the super-volunteers in our midst. It is more evidence that we live in a truly special place that we have dozens of worthy nominees each year. The selection committees have an extraordinarily tough job to narrow that list down. This year’s recipients are deserving of this recognition and so much more.” shared AWACC Executive Director David Reid.
See a list of previous George and Ford award winners here.
Several individuals and businesses were recognized for their contributions to the community during the evening’s program. Join us in congratulations and appreciation to:
The information below is an excerpt of the announcement script for the program.
Bob and Irene Baltimore Leaders Circle Award:
WCT Marine & Construction, Inc.
Presented annually to a business that has gone the extra mile to serve the communities of Warrenton and Astoria.
The Bob and Irene Baltimore Award recognizes a business that exemplifies exceptional service, community commitment, and leadership. This year’s recipient is a modern player in one of the region’s most historic industries.
The Lower Columbia River Region has a deep and rich maritime heritage, from the small vessels of the butterfly fleet to the mighty steamships that once carried passengers and freight. From tugboats and barges moving cargo far upriver to today’s Panamax bulk carriers and cruise ships, maritime activity has shaped the region for more than two centuries.
Today’s maritime industry encompasses port operations, bar and river pilotage, recreational boating, the U.S. Coast Guard, and military service. Small craft, barges, and large vessels all depend on skilled maintenance, inspections, repairs, and upgrades. Qualified companies, and qualified workers, are increasingly difficult to find.
Fortunately, the community is home to a local company capable of meeting those needs.
WCT Marine is a major local employer, providing family-wage jobs and delivering high-quality workmanship to its customers. Based at Tongue Point, the company offers new construction, vessel repairs, haul-out services, and welding, supported by deep technical expertise.
In addition, WCT Marine provides marine services including tugboats, supply vessels, and offsite crane services, both floating and land-based. The company can store vessels, perform maintenance and repairs, and complete upgrades, including modern marine electronics.
WCT Marine is also recognized for being a strong community partner, serving as generous teachers, supportive neighbors, and reliable partners to the Chamber and the broader community.
For these reasons, WCT Marine & Construction, Inc. is the recipient of this year’s Bob and Irene Baltimore Award.
Board President's Choice Award:
94.3 KRKZ Radio
Presented annually to a Chamber member business that has demonstrated exceptional service and partnership during the past year.
The President’s Choice Award recognizes a member business that has gone above and beyond in its service to the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s recipient underwent a change in ownership in late 2024, and one of the first actions taken by the new owner was to engage with the Chamber, not to ask what the Chamber could do for them, but to ask what could be accomplished together.
In 2025, the Chamber welcomed 56 new members. Thanks to this award recipient, each of those businesses received complimentary airtime to promote their work. For new businesses in particular, this level of exposure can be transformative. The support came with no strings attached, simply added value as part of Chamber membership.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the local business community.
For these reasons, the 2025 President’s Choice Award is presented to 94.3 KRKZ Radio and John Paul.
Applause Award:
Jeany Birdeno
Presented periodically to recognize an individual, organization or business whose exceptional effort has made a significant and visible impact on the community.
This year’s recipient stepped forward to ensure that a beloved community tradition continued. After the long-time organizers of Astoria’s holiday decorations retired, she took on the responsibility of leading and inspiring a dedicated group of volunteers to preserve the magic of Christmas in downtown Astoria.
Her commitment to service extends far beyond the holidays. She is a familiar and reliable presence at community events: volunteering, serving on boards and committees, tending bar at fundraisers, and supporting organizations whenever help is needed. Her energy, positivity, and willingness to step up exemplify community leadership.
For her tireless efforts and the joy she helps sustain throughout the community, the Applause Award is presented to Jeany Birdeno.
Richard Ford Distinguished Service Award:
Tom Dyer
This year’s recipient has been a quiet but constant presence in Warrenton throughout his life. His service began as an Oregon State Police trooper, where he not only upheld public safety but also took time to help residents get back on their feet and encouraged individuals to make positive changes in their lives. When he saw a need, he did not wait for an agency or organization to respond—he simply acted.
That same spirit carried into his later service as an elected official. Whether providing food, financial help, essential items, or simply compassionate attention, he worked tirelessly to care for others without seeking recognition. He was simply being himself.
He made a point to stop and talk with isolated seniors. When he recognized gaps in the foster care system, he and his wife Ginny adopted two children later in life. When residents struggled to maintain their properties, he did not file complaints. Rather, he brought a lawn mower, helped organize belongings, and ensured people were able to regain stability.
As an elected official, even while facing serious health challenges related to his time in law enforcement, he personally led efforts to clean up hoarder properties, coordinated support from churches, social services, businesses, and individuals, and often covered disposal costs himself. His approach consistently emphasized solutions over punishment.
An active member of Scandinavian heritage organizations, including Nidaros Lodge, he also helped sustain the cultural fabric of the community.
In recognition of his extraordinary service, the Warrenton City Commission unanimously declared November 2 as “Tom Dyer Day of Service,” the first and only time such a designation has been made.
Tom Dyer exemplifies the quiet, compassionate leadership that communities depend on and embodies the spirit of the Richard Ford Distinguished Service Award.
George Award: (multiple winners)
presented by the City of Astoria & the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
The George Award recognizes individuals who see a need in the community and act—those who do not “let George do it,” but step forward themselves.
Leila Collier
One of this year’s George Award recipients is the kind of volunteer every organization hopes for: passionate, versatile, dependable, and consistently proactive.
The Chamber received an extraordinary number of nomination letters (eighteen in total) each highlighting a different contribution. Collectively, they paint a picture of a lifetime dedicated to service.
Her involvement spans preserving community heritage, encouraging education and leadership, and supporting countless organizations, including Friends of Suomi Hall, Astoria Nordic Heritage Park, the Astoria Scandinavian Festival Association, local schools, faith-based organizations, cultural coalitions, community gardens, senior programs, and youth initiatives. She has organized choirs, coordinated festival art projects, delivered greenery and flowers to seniors, baked for countless fundraisers, and raised two children along the way.
Beyond the impressive list of accomplishments is how she approaches her work. Nomination letters consistently described her as kind, generous, tireless, patient, positive, dedicated, and enthusiastic.
For her unwavering commitment to service and leadership, the George Award is presented to Leila Collier.
George Award: (multiple winners)
Lindsay Davis
The selection committee chose to recognize a second George Award recipient this year for her extraordinary impact and responsiveness to community needs.
Lindsay Davis serves as Community Outreach Specialist for Hampton Lumber, where she has leveraged the company’s deep commitment to community investment to create lasting and meaningful change. While the George Award is not typically given for fulfilling job responsibilities, Lindsay’s work extends far beyond any job description.
Her efforts helped transform a single request for assistance from a Warrenton High School fisheries student into an annual fundraiser that has raised more than $700,000 over four years for Career Technical Education and natural resource programs across Clatsop County. These efforts have provided leadership opportunities for students, strengthened ties between industry and education, and galvanized widespread community support.
In addition to this work, Lindsay has served the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce as Government Affairs Committee Chair, President, and President-Elect. She is also deeply involved with Astoria Rotary, Clatsop Working Watersheds Council, Oregon Women in Timber, CEDR, the Clatsop Job and Career Fair, and numerous other community efforts.
Described by one nominator as a “breath of fresh air,” Lindsay Davis brings energy, vision, and action to every role she takes on.
For these reasons, the George Award is presented to Lindsay Davis.