Stories told, joy abounds and money raised at annual Gala evening

Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce President Rebeckah Hornung gives her speech at the 2026 Gala that was held in early-November at Mary Hall on the Tenth Street Campus.

Local Business Community Continues to Impress 

Business leaders from across sectors elevated community spirit at the annual Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce Gala.

The social event of the season took over the Mary Hall banquet room on Selkirk College’s Tenth Street Campus with more than 250 guests enjoying riveting conversation, live jazz, roaming Discover Circus performers, a tasty meal, loaded silent auction and an entertaining live auction.

Three former Chamber presidents (L-R) Glenn Sutherland, Tanya Finley and Paul Weist enjoy the elegant evening.

“The local business community is an inspiring group and it’s always pretty special to see so many gathered in one place,” says Chamber President Rebeckah Hornung. “It takes passion and determination to be successful in a challenging economy. The room was full of people who care deeply about their role in our region’s success and keep going no matter what’s thrown their way. They are the engine that propels our economy and makes the region so desirable.”

The Chamber’s primary fundraiser of the year, monies raised go back into the community through the “Think Local First” shop-local campaign, downtown graffiti removal, community beautification efforts and other economic development projects that are executed over the year. A percentage of the funds are also allocated to community service agencies and nonprofits. 

“The Chamber staff worked really hard on this year’s silent and live auction, both were tremendously successful,” said Hornung, who is in the second year of her presidency. “Profit margins for small business owners are modest and it’s always impressive to see the generosity for both the Chamber Gala and community events throughout the year. Building a strong community requires an approach that goes well beyond the individual, that’s always one of the takeaways from that great evening.”

With the Christmas season approaching, the Chamber team now turns attention to the annual 12 Days of  Christmas Giving social media contest that encourages shopping local during the holiday season and rewards those who do with $1,200 of local business gift certificates from the business of your choice!. Entry details of the 2026 campaign will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Learn more about the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce here.