January 9, 2026

Each year, the Greater Eureka Chamber’s Business Leadership Award is given to a person in the business community who inspires and encourages others, earning a high level of trust and credibility. This person is respectful, accountable, values differences, encourages, and collaborates, using their influence to the benefit of the community as a whole. The honoree models continuous learning, mentoring others along the journey.

The Greater Eureka Chamber is proud to present Dale Maples of Mapleservice Plumbing & Heating with the 2025 Business Leadership Award.

“Dale is a leader of high integrity. He is honest, transparent, respectful, and a lifelong learner of leadership,” his nomination stated. “He runs his business by treating his employees to a standard that is very high within his industry and is proud to say the majority of his staff are homeowners. Dale is the type of leader who would sell his personal assets to ensure his business and employees are taken care of through economic ups and downs. He has trained other leaders in the company to uphold the highest of ethical standards. Dale is very active in the community, primarily through his faith-based practices and his church. Dale is a connector of people, often bringing together people in different circles who share common interests. As Dale prepares for retirement in the next couple of years, he is deserving of recognition for his leadership, his commitment to succession planning and ensuring the business remains local to serve Humboldt and employ our community for generations beyond his tenure.”

Maples will accept the award on stage at the Chamber’s Annual Business Awards celebration, the ‘Boldt Gala: Coastal Alchemy. This event will be held Friday, January 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Acres, 3750 Harris Street, Eureka.

“I lack the words to fully express my gratitude for being nominated for this award,” Maples said. “I can only say that my family and I are indebted to this community. Thank you.”

The community is invited to join the celebration of Maples and his fellow award winners. Tickets to the ‘Boldt Gala are on sale now. For sponsorship opportunities, contact nancy@eurekachamber.com.

About the ‘Boldt Gala: Coastal Alchemy

The Annual Business Awards gala is the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year, enabling the organization to serve the Greater Eureka business community year‑round.

This year’s ‘Boldt Gala theme, Coastal Alchemy, gives a nod to the Redwood Coast’s wild natural beauty and its ever‑shifting, mystical moods — where sea mist meets moonlight, and imagination transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

A special thanks to our sponsors: Redwood News, Vineyard Offshore, Coast Central Credit Union, Western Health, Cal Poly Humboldt, Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation, Humboldt Builders' Exchange, New Life Service Company, North Coast Co‑op, Premier Financial Group, Redwood Capital Bank, Quality Body Works, and Scrapper's Edge.