Canby chamber’s golf tournament contributes to veterans

By Raymond Rendleman, The Canby Chronicle

On Aug. 3, you have the opportunity to join the Canby Area Chamber of Commerce for one of the largest golf events in the North Valley region. Hosted at Willamette Valley Country Club, the chamber’s annual tournament brings together business leaders from across the Portland metro area.

In attendance will be Anthony Thomas, a Titleist Performance Institute-certified Pro Long Driver, known for launching over 400-yard drives, who will show off his golfing skills on one of the holes, while using his background as a professional actor and entertainer to engage participants.

Jeff Tracy organizes another exciting aspect of the tournament, the North Valley Challenge, for those participants who want more of a challenge. Only 25 teams get to compete for the coveted NVC cup.

Using his contacts he’s developed over the years in the Canby golf community, Tracy was inspired by his own father who served in WWII to start the tournament. Tracy loves how the tournament has helped raise the number of prizes and sponsorships of veterans teams.

Last year there were eight teams with anywhere from one-four veterans on each team, and teams were formed from all over the state. “It’s a lovely event, and that course is absolutely lovely,” Tracy said. “There are lots of trees and lots of places where shade offers a nice spot to rest between holes.”

Winners get a smaller replica of the tournament cup, but if a team ever wins the cup three years in a row, Tracy plans to give the large cup to the team with a three-year winning streak. Last year’s winners (pictured) were from Franklin Electric, a Canby business.

“You have to win the challenge three times to retire the challenge cup, which is shaped like a large chalice that’s big enough to hold ice for champagne,” he said.

The Canby Chronicle also checked in with Chamber CEO Shatrine Krake to get some more insight into the event.

Chronicle: When did the tournament start and how has it evolved over time?

Krake: The Canby Area Chamber Golf Tournament began 28 years ago as a way to bring our local business community together, and that purpose is still at the heart of the event today.

Over the years, it has grown into one of the Chamber’s signature annual events, welcoming businesses, community leaders, sponsors, and golfers from across the region. While the tournament has expanded to include on-course contests, networking opportunities, raffles, and friendly competition, its mission has remained the same: creating meaningful connections that strengthen our local business community.

Today, it’s much more than a round of golf. It’s a day of relationship-building, collaboration, and celebrating the people and businesses that make Canby such a wonderful place to live and work. We’re also honored that a portion of the proceeds supports the Oregon Veterans Support Fund, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy a great day while contributing to a meaningful cause.

Chronicle: What's most exciting for you about the event?

Krake: What excites us most is seeing our business community come together. The tournament gives business owners, employees, sponsors, and community partners the chance to strengthen relationships, make new connections, and enjoy a great day together. We're incredibly grateful for the businesses and organizations that make this event possible through sponsorships, team registrations, donations, and volunteer support. We'd especially like to thank our Presenting Sponsor, Northwest Mechanical Group, along with all of our sponsors who help create an outstanding experience for our golfers.

We're also excited to be part of the North Valley Challenge again this year, which continues to strengthen regional partnerships and introduce new businesses to Canby. One of our favorite parts of the day is seeing the creativity our sponsors bring to the course. From interactive games to friendly competition, every hole offers another opportunity to connect. The tournament truly reflects the collaboration, generosity, and community spirit that defines Canby.

Chronicle: What do proceeds of the tournament help support?

Krake: The Canby Area Chamber Golf Tournament is more than a great day on the course — it’s an investment in our local business community. Proceeds help support the Chamber’s work throughout the year, including business advocacy, educational programs, leadership initiatives, tourism, networking opportunities, and resources that help local businesses grow and thrive.

We’re also proud that a portion of this year's proceeds will benefit the Oregon Veterans Support Fund. It’s a meaningful way for our business community to invest in Canby while giving back to those who have served our country.

Take a swing

WHEN: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3

WHERE: Willamette Valley Country Club, 900 Country Club Place, Canby

COST: Chamber individual golfer $185 (team of four $725)

NORTH VALLEY CHALLENGE: Individual $160 (team of four $625)

MORE INFO: Contact the Canby Area Chamber of Commerce at chamber@canbyareachamber.org or (503) 266-4600