The Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce celebrated the very best of the North State at its 47th Annual Legends and Leaders Celebration, held before a sold-out
crowd at the Holiday Inn in Redding. The annual event recognizes the individuals, businesses, and nonprofits whose leadership, service, and investment strengthen the economic and civic fabric of the community.
Each year, the celebration brings together business owners, public officials, nonprofit leaders, and residents to highlight those who go beyond their professional success to give back and help Redding thrive.
This year’s winners are as follows:
Citizen of the Year: Mary Rickert
The Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce and the Record Searchlight are proud to recognize Mary Rickert as the 2026 Citizen of the Year, an honor historically known as the “Most Useful Citizen” award and selected by past recipients in recognition of extraordinary service to the community.
Rickert was born and raised in Hanford in a distinguished agricultural family. In 1968, as a teenager, she helped successfully advocate for girls to participate in FFA competition, and the following year was named high individual in dairy cattle judging at the state finals and became the first girl to show an animal at the California State Fair. She later attended Cal Poly before completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, business, and human resources management at Simpson. She and her husband Jim moved to the North State in 1974, opened an agricultural appraisal and consulting office at the Cottonwood Rodeo Grounds, and in 1982 founded
Western Agricultural Service. They worked with Walter Ralph to develop Prather Ranch and are now its majority owner.
Rickert has served the region for decades through extensive civic leadership. She served eight years representing District III on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors beginning in 2016. Her service also includes the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, Shasta Regional Transportation Agency, Shasta County Air Pollution Board, Northern California Water Association Governing Board, Shasta Land Trust, Cow Creek Watershed, and the Shasta Regional Community Foundation. She founded the Burney Fall River Education Foundation and has served as a 4-H leader, CCD instructor, Shasta County Mental Health Advisory Board chair, and a NAMI instructor for families.
Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors including Professional Farm Manager of the Year from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, Commercial Cattleman of the Year from the Beef Cattle Improvement Association, the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, Leopold Conservation Award from the California Farm Bureau, Distinguished California Agriculturalist of the Year, Soroptimist Woman of the Year, and Shasta County Citizen of Distinction. Mary Rickert lives in Fall River with her husband Jim and their family.
Business of the Year: Enoven Truck Body and Equipment
Enoven Truck Body and Equipment expanded operations in Redding last year, strengthening the local industry and creating new opportunities. The company manufactures and installs custom work truck bodies for light, medium, and heavy-duty applications. Its focus on reliability, quality craftsmanship, and teamwork reflects the hardworking character of the North State.
Businessperson of the Year: Todd Davis, Obsidian IT
Todd Davis was recognized for building a growing IT services company while investing heavily in the community. His leadership and service include involvement with the Shasta Family YMCA, Shasta Economic Development Corporation, Redding Rotary, and the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce. His example reflects the belief that business success and community success go hand in hand.
Nonprofit of the Year: Raising Shasta
Since 1987, Raising Shasta has worked across the county to prevent child abuse through early intervention, education, and strong family support systems. The organization coordinates prevention efforts, expands youth programs, and advocates for stronger services across the region. Its innovative Roaring Rumble fundraiser in 2025 brought new awareness and community participation to its mission of protecting children and strengthening families.
New Business of the Year: Grange Co-Op
Founded in 1934, Grange Co-Op has supported farmers, ranchers, families, and rural lifestyles for generations. Prior to opening its North Redding location, the company joined the Chamber and supported youth sports, law enforcement, and the Redding Rodeo. Its investment in the community strengthened local agricultural roots even before its doors opened, making it a natural choice for this year’s New Business of the Year.
Rising Star of the Year: Tyler Rowley
The Rising Star Award honors an emerging leader who has quickly made a meaningful impact. After a recent career change, Tyler Rowley immersed himself in community service through involvement with Shasta College ASET, Pathway Church, youth sports, and the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to helping families plan for their financial futures while volunteering throughout the community exemplifies the spirit of this award.
Ambassador of the Year: Melissa Kallmes
Our Ambassador of the Year, voted on by our fellow Ambassadors, was last year’s Ambassador Chair, Melissa Kallmes, from the Sheraton Hotel Redding at the Sundial Bridge. Melissa worked tirelessly last year to lead our Ambassadors, helping plan events like Kool April Nites and the Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament, and so many more. She always showed up, always had a smile, and led our volunteer committee with grace and class.
“The Legends and Leaders Celebration is one of the most meaningful nights of the year for our organization,” said Todd Jones, President and CEO of the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce. “These honorees represent the kind of leadership that makes our community stronger. They invest their time, talent, and resources into Redding, and our region is better because of them. The Chamber thanks its sponsors, partners, and volunteers for helping make the evening possible and congratulates all of this year’s award recipients. About the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce For more than 100 years, the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce has supported local employers, advocated for economic opportunity, and worked to make the Redding region a place where businesses and families can succeed.
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