THE Chamber
2022 Chamber Awards Recipients Recognized

Kassi Marques and
Tiffany Brown
2022 Chamber Awards Recipients Recognized
The Chamber of Commerce presented new awards, as well as old favorites, at this year’s popular event.
2021 Ambassador of the Year – Tiffany Brown
Tiffany Brown is a true leader as a Chamber Ambassador. Tiffany supports the Chamber of Commerce in so many ways: attending mixers, volunteering at Chamber events such as the 4th of July, and leading by example. Thank you, Tiffany, for representing the Chamber in such a positive light.
Business Leader of the Year – Baird Rumiano
Baird Rumiano serves the BEST Cheese in the world! Recently, Rumiano Cheese opened a new location in Willits as well as creating the Kamome Cheese, giving the retail profits back to scholarships for students locally and in our Sister City, Rikuzentakata, Japan. Rumiano Cheese serves their products with great customer service and supports local businesses and farmers.
Business of the Year – Alexandre Dairy/Family Farm
Family, Values, Leader in their industry, Award Winning products, Certified Organic Regenerative Business – for so many reasons the Alexandre Dairy is deserving of this award.
Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year – Jim Hooper
Jim Hooper has been volunteering at the Visitor Center for the past five years. He is a wealth of information for our visitors, from trails and wildlife, to fishing and so much more. He always greets our guests with a smile to brighten their day.
Community Volunteer of the Year – Doug Plack
After retiring as our local City of Crescent City Police Chief, Doug has continued to serve our community. Among other things, he serves on the CASA Board of Directors and has helped the Del Norte County Veterans Monument become a reality. As a Veteran himself, he truly has a heart for service.
Community Volunteer of the Year -
Kassi Marques
Kassi Marques is a phenomenal volunteer in our community, including as part of the Chamber of Commerce for over 10 years serving as both a Board Director and Ambassador. Kassi continues to be an integral part of the 4th of July and Sea Cruise committees as well as active with Elks Lodge, Lion’s Club and Rotary.
Del Norte Pride – Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Headquarters
A 13,000-square-foot, three-story building designed with future expansion, the office building is centrally located in Tolowa ancestral territory, conveniently along Highway 101. The project was successfully led by an all-tribal citizen construction crew. The Nation made a great effort to invest in the local economy by hiring many local sub-contractors for specialty work on the project. Their skilled craftsmanship shines through the architectural design that features a fusion of cultural and modern elements that sits beautifully within the wild and scenic landscape of the region.
Emcee of the World – Kevin Hartwick
Since 1988 Kevin Hartwick has been the voice of the Chamber at the Annual Awards Dinner. This year, after devoting decades of energy and commitment to the event, Kevin made the announcement that this would be his last year up on the stage as emcee. The Chamber sent Kevin off with a hand-carved redwood tree and the recognition of him being the Best Emcee in the World.
New Business of the Year – Schmidt’s House of Jambalaya
They say entrepreneurs must have great courage and extreme confidence in themselves and their ideas. Jennifer and Michael Schmidt proved this to be true when they started a new restaurant in the beginning of COVID and overcame all the challenges a new business endures.
Non-Profit of the Year – CASA of Del Norte
CASA of Del Norte continues to serve the children in Foster Care in Del Norte County despite the hardships all non-profits faced during the pandemic. Christine Slette and her qualified team show great resourcefulness and dedication to the mission of CASA.
Resiliency Business of the Year –
Cristina’s Mexican Restaurant
This family-owned and operated business has survived in the community serving authentic Mexican food for almost 4 decades. What started as a Mom and Pop restaurant has grown to have three generations working, often all three at the same time! Through commitment, hard work, local resources and the support of Del Norte County, this restaurant has stood the test of time and has remained open!