North Conway, NH – The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce (MWVCC) will honor outstanding community and business leaders at its 2025 Annual Meeting & Awards Cocktail Reception on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Eagle Mountain House in Jackson, NH. The evening will celebrate the individuals and businesses whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the Valley, while also bringing the community together for networking, recognition, and local pride.

The White Mountains Treasure Award will be presented to Sandy Ruka,RN, MWN, recognized for her four decades of leadership in nursing and hospice care. As Executive Director of Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine, Sandy helped transform and expand local healthcare access, while mentoring countless professionals. Her retirement in 2024 capped a career defined by compassion, advocacy, and innovation.

Also receiving the White Mountains Treasure Award is Sue Ruka, RN, PhD (posthumously), whose nursing career spanned more than 40 years at Memorial Hospital. Sue was a driving force in advancing elder care, mentoring generations of nurses, and helping to establish the Mt. Washington Valley Adult Day Center. Her vision and commitment to community health continue to shape services today.

The Employer of the Year Award will go to Larry and Diane Flaherty, owners of The Met, who are celebrated for building a workplace culture rooted in respect, mentorship, and opportunity. By encouraging staff to grow and take leadership roles, they’ve created a business where employees thrive. Their success has made The Met not just a community gathering place, but also a model employer.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be presented to Tiga Scheupp of The Penguin Gallery, who has carried forward the legacy of one of North Conway’s most beloved businesses. Under Tiga’s leadership, the Penguin Gallery has expanded, added new offerings, and invested in infrastructure to support growth. Her entrepreneurial spirit has ensured this downtown staple remains vibrant for generations to come.

Terry O'Brien – longtime community-minded businessperson and past co-owner of the Red Parka Steakhouse and Pub – is to be honored as this year's recipient of the annual Steve Eastman Community Service Award for civic entrepreneurship.

O'Brien sold the popular landmark establishment in May.

Together with her staff, she carried on the tradition of hospitality and giving back to the community set by her late parents, Dewey Mark and Jean Melczarek, who purchased the Red Parka with Lois Hatch and the late Al Nelson in 1972.

Through the now-ceased after 50 years Red Parka Challenge Cup and other community events, as well as through the Valley Originals group of independent restaurants (an  organization founded by her father), she has been an innovator and leader in the valley.

“The Annual Meeting is one of our most important traditions,” said Chris Proulx, Executive Director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a chance for us to come together as a community to recognize the individuals and businesses who embody the Valley’s spirit of leadership, innovation, and service.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, the evening will feature networking opportunities with business and community leaders,and remarks from Chamber President Paul Durfee and Executive Director Chris Proulx. Proulx’s remarks will include a recap of accomplishments over the past year and a reveal of new benefits and initiatives being launched, including a new website and member portal aimed at enhancing both the visitor and chamber member experience.

Guests will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres and light bites prepared by the Eagle Mountain House culinary team, a cash bar, and the Chamber’s online silent auction, with proceeds supporting MWVCC programs and services.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: Registration opens at 4:30 PM; Annual Meeting & Awards Reception runs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Venue: Eagle Mountain House, 179 Carter Notch Road, Jackson, NH

Tickets and event information are available at www.visitmwv.com/chamber/mwv-annual-meeting.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the Chamber’s premier annual event is an impactful way to align your business with the leaders and innovators driving the Valley forward. Sponsors receive visibility in all event marketing and throughout the evening itself, reaching Chamber members, associates, and community partners. For details on sponsorship levels and benefits, contact Chris Proulx at 603-356-5701 ext. 302 or chris@visitmwv.com.

Join the following businesses in showing support for the Chamber:

Chalmers Insurance & Patriot Insurance - Premier Sponsor

Norway Savings Bank - Premier Sponsor

Northeast Delta Dental - Business Awards Sponsor

MaineHealth Memorial Hospital - White Mountains Treasure Awards Sponsor

The Valley Originals - Reception Sponsor

Meredith Village Savings Bank - Reception Sponsor

NH Insurance Department - Reception Sponsor

Designed Gardens - Floral Sponsor

The Chamber encourages members, partners, and community leaders to purchase tickets and join in celebrating the honorees who continue to shape the economic vitality and spirit of the Mount Washington Valley.

Click here to purchase tickets

‍