Benson Winery Awarded Business of the Year

On November 12, the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce honored the achievements of its members in front of a sold-out crowd at Tsillan Cellars.

Chelan, Washington – November 13, 2008

  The sold-out crowd of professionals beamed with smiles and applause as Business of the Year, the Chelan Valley business community’s most coveted honor, was awarded to Benson Vineyards & Estate Winery. Kathy and Paul Benson, joined by their sons Scott and Jeff, received this top award at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Dinner on November 12.

  “We’re thrilled to honor the Benson’s for their tremendous contribution to our Valley. They’ve created an incredible new facility that really highlights the beauty of our area. It’s a real pleasure to award this to a family that is so supportive of our community,” said Chamber Executive Director Mike Steele.

  The Benson family received the award with deep gratitude, inciting a tear-filled response among the crowd. “We love what we do and the people we work with…and we get to make wine for a living!” said Scott Benson. This family owned and operated winery is unique to Lake Chelan because its vineyard produces 100% of the grapes used in wine production. The family and its ‘honorary members’ operate everything from grape production to its new Mediterranean-inspired tasting room. The tasting room and patio allow visitors to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the vineyard, mountains and lake.

  Another celebrated award, New Business of the Year, was received by Yogachelan. Owners Lynda Kennedy and Lisa Sloan celebrated the first anniversary of their business in March of 2009. The mission statement of Yogachelan is simple: “Our mission is to share the benefits of yoga with our community,” said Sloan. Through community service and class offerings, the pair has introduced over 300 people to yoga since its inception.

  “Lynda and Lisa have shared the wonderful experience of what yoga can do for our minds and body. They create a warm, loving and laughing environment for anyone who comes in contact with these two wonderful women. We all should be grateful they bless our lives daily,” said Chamber Member Viki Nedrow.

  Other award recipients include 2009 Chamber President Scott Anderson and Chamber Board of Director Aurora Flores. The crowd gave a standing ovation for a special recognition award given to the late Barney Slaugenhaupt of the Slaugenhaupt Agency. Barney’s wife Doris and son Jim accepted the award on his behalf.                     

     “The awards are of particular significance because recipients have been nominated by their peers in the business community. The Chamber is appreciative of all the community efforts of its members, and this was our night to thank those who have made significant contributions to our business community,” said Steele.

  The awards dinner was held at Sorrento’s Ristorante at Tsillan Cellars and was made possible with the support of event sponsors Tsillan Cellars and Wheatland Bank. Professional Speaker and Author Mark Matteson was the event’s keynote speaker, both entertaining and motivating the crowd with his speech acknowledging the interdependence of business and importance of goal-setting.