The Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce Small Business award winner for 2019 is White Water Signs & Graphics. The award honors excellence in products or services, customer service, and contributions to the communities’ economy and vitality.
Owner Dave Shelton has been in the signs and graphics business for more than 40 years, providing signs, banners, logo stickers and printable marketing materials for local businesses throughout the region. He is also the official banner producer for the Santiam SummerFest.
“I am honored to receive this award,” Shelton said. “I have been in the sign business for 43 years this April 1, beginning my career in Hillsboro in 1977 at the age of 19.”
Shelton has crafted signs for businesses and organizations throughout the region, including Stayton’s Boldt, Carlisle & Smith; The Lovin’ Oven; Performing Arts Center and chamber and Lyons City Hall and library.
“Dave Shelton is a Santiam Canyon jack of many trades and a friend to everyone,” said Ken Cartwright with KYAC Community Radio. “Almost every sign, festival and event has had the golden touch of Dave Shelton!”
A semi-retired professional cartoonist, Shelton incorporates a “can do” personality into his work, Cartwright said, adding, “He has been so active in the North Santiam Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, Santiam Hearts to Arts and the list is longer than we have room for,” he said. “He is a very positive human being who helps everyone all the time and is very deserving of this special award.”
Rex Mittelstaedt, owner of Rex Images Promotions in Mill City, called Shelton “very capable of producing any sign or banner on a first-class level.” Mittelstaedt used Shelton’s skills to produce his storefront and window signs. “I see his work all over the Santiam Canyon. Mucho kudos, Dave!”
David Sibley with Power Motorsports commended Shelton for designing the company’s banners. “He gets back to us fast and creates a superior product,” Sibley said.
Shelton also receives kudos for his community service, including past president of the Detroit Lake Recreation Area Business Association (DLRABA) and the North Santiam Chamber of Commerce, and past vice president of the Mill City Lions Club. He is an active member of both Stayton Sublimity and North Santiam chambers of commerce. He has served on the North Santiam Chamber Board of Directors, Santiam Hearts to Arts, and River City Music and Arts Jamboree.
“I joined the Stayton Sublimity Chamber in the early ‘90s and sat on committees which created events like Santiam SummerFest, the Holiday Festival and Santiam Marketplace,” Shelton said. “I have been a sponsor of the Santiam Stampede since it’s inception, over 20 years, and the Sublimity Harvest Festival for almost ten years.”
Shelton is helping with the Mill City Lions’ Sweetheart Dinner and Pie Auction on Feb. 8 and the fourth annual River City Music and Art Jamboree slated for June.
“Working with these organizations has given me a tremendous sense of purpose and satisfaction raising funds for worthy projects and seeing these events continue and thrive for many, many years,” Shelton said. “I encourage other citizens and businesses to engage with the chambers and other civic organizations to make a difference through community service!”
