By Mary Owen
What do Jodi Hack, Karey Hendricks, Steve Zuber, Jennifer Niegel, Pam Lamb, Tracy Jones and Peter Whitney all have in common?
Still, guessing?
Here’s your second clue. What do these businesses have in common?
Roth’s Fresh Market, Power Chevrolet, Santiam Vision Source, Stayton A&W, Covered Bridge Cafe, Figaro’s Pizza, Slayden Construction, and Summit Cleaning and Restoration?
Last clue.
They are all winners of ….
You guessed it. They are all past winners of community awards given by the Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce.
And once again, it’s time to start thinking about individuals and businesses that deserve to be recognized for what they do in the Stayton-Sublimity area.
Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kelly Schreiber said the chamber is seeking nominations for its annual Award Celebration to be held on Feb. 18 at Foothills Church in Stayton. Nominations forms are due by Dec. 4.
“We are grateful for the people and businesses that do so much to make our community successful,” Schreiber said.
The categories include:
Chamber Award of Excellence for a large business of 15 or more employees
Chamber Award of Excellence for a small business of less than 15 employees.
Both business awards are for businesses that go above and beyond to contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
The First Impressions Award goes to a business or organization that presents a beautiful and inviting frontage.
The Distinguished Service Award goes to a person who has shown dedication to his/her community through service.
“The Chamber of Commerce believes that celebration is an essential part of a thriving community,” said Janine Moothart, development and marketing director for Regis High School and a member of SSCOC’s selection committee. “The community members join together to recognize and thank those who make a difference through leadership and service. It’s a great time to show our support and appreciation for those individuals and businesses, and at the same time, celebrate the community in which we live and thrive. We all have the opportunity to make a difference.”
Also on the selection committee, Mike Jaeger said he is honored to be able to recognize people in the community who “have the heart to give so much simply to make this community better.”
“Those who are selected are uniformly very humble people who are not looking for recognition and are truly surprised at the thought of being highlighted for all their hard work,” said Jaeger, vice-president and district manager of the Stayton branch of Columbia Bank. “I’m pretty sure all of us can think of people who are constantly giving of themselves and really maximizing the talents they’ve been given. Isn’t it incumbent upon us, as a community, to show appreciation to these folks? All it takes on our part is a little bit of effort to submit a nomination. What a gracious way to say thank you to those who consistently step up and help.”
Jaeger said the awards banquet is a way for family and friends to come together in celebration of the recipients.
“This is the one time during the year that we are able to inspire those who are so inspirational to us,” he said.
Nominations form are on the chamber’s website, www.staytonsublimitychamber.org. Copies are available at Stayton and Sublimity City halls and the chamber office. Mail applications to SSCOC, 175 E. High St., Stayton, OR 97383. For information, call 503-769-3464.
