Best of Class – Member Milestones
As we prepare for 2020, we pause to celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of this past year, both here at the Chamber and all our Members; those head-and-shoulders-above, best-in-class, all-time firsts, innovative breakthroughs, and proud moments within our member community.
Chamber Milestones…
Our Organizational Value to Embody Innovation played out through the introduction of several new endeavors. The State of Business Breakfast, The Leadership Summit, Business Boot Camp expansion, and the launch of our digital online news SpringfieldBottomLine.com.
The State of Business breakfast brought over 130 attendees together to hear from three experts in Oregon’s small business ecosystem. The panel from Oregon Economic Analysis Department, the Small Business Development Center, and Oregon RAIN spoke to the state’s and region’s overall economic and business climate, broadening our understanding and perspective on doing business in Oregon.
2019 was the inaugural year for our Leadership Summit. Over 100 community and business leaders attended the full-day Summit to hear from a variety of inspirational individuals and thought leaders on topics including professional development, organizational management, and civic leadership.
Based on the success of our Business Boot Camp program back in May, we have now introduced a fall version. The November session’s focus was on HR Solutions, including how to prepare your business for regulatory changes like Oregon’s Pay Equity law, Paid Family Leave, as well as how to recruit and retain talent effectively.
Our business news resource The Bottom Line underwent a major transformation this year. In April, it was successfully switched from a print publication to a purely online website, making it a more responsive opportunity for member businesses to share their stories, information and events. Each of us here at the Chamber has picked our favorite articles since the change to our online format; see below to revisit some great articles from past editions!
Vonnie’s Pick: Food and Beverages in Lane County
We’ve published some pretty fabulous articles this last year so it’s hard to pick one. I always enjoy those that shed light on the business scene, the people behind the brand, and their view on industry trends. This article featuring Swallowtail Spirits Distillery and CEO Kevin Barrett hit all the marks for me. I appreciate the craftsman, maker, entrepreneur, and community-minded lens through which Kevin runs his business, reflected in this quote, “People care about craft: who made it, and how it was made. I enjoy letting people see and experience that, and hopefully becoming a part of it.
Paige’s Pick: History & Innovation: Oregon’s Timber Industry
I really appreciate this article, especially as we published it in anticipation of celebrating National Manufacturing Day. It captures the impact of the timber industry on Springfield’s culture. We are a community of makers and of innovators. I think in the years to come, we’ll see a lot of innovation from this sector.
Max’s Pick: Small Business Support
This article put a spotlight on the partnerships, collaboration, and support among chamber members. It was great to hear from two members about how small businesses create a web of community.
Natasha’s Pick: Next Evolution: The Bottom Line
Although Robert is no longer the contact – as he has moved on to be a wonderful resource at Lane SBDC – I am so impressed with the way this evolution has turned out.
Elora’s Pick: The Chamber Team – Committed to Service, Innovation, and Value
I’m happy to be one of three new staff on board the Chamber team this year. It’s been a wonderfully collaborative experience thus far and I look forward to continuing our positive impact on the Springfield Business community into the new year.
Phil’s Pick: Stories That Matter
I chose this article because I believe the most powerful thing a small business can do to get more customers in the door is tell their story. It’s the perfect way to leverage social media and digital advertising, using what a business already has, to create community engagement with their brand.
Judy’s Pick: Summers Sell in the South Willamette Valley
After spending all winter inside, to be able to walk out into a beautiful summer day to enjoy friends and family out on the patio while enjoying good food and drinks – there is no better place to be than in Oregon during the summer.
Dani’s Pick: Small Business, Uniquely Ours
What I love about this article is that it truly touches on the aspects of how great communities are formed. Successful small businesses are the foundation to a thriving community, and the value that Springfield places on their family owned small businesses, is exactly why Springfield is becoming a place where people want to live, play, and work.
…And some Member Milestones!
- Systems West Engineers received the 2019 Building Excellence Award in New Construction Commissioning and 2019 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.
- In first eight months as licensed distillery offering premium spirits, Swallowtail Spirits received eight national and international awards including Oregon Distillery of the Year from New York International Spirits Competition.
- TrackTown USA submitted a successful bid and was subsequently awarded the right to host the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials; the fourth consecutive trials to be hosted in our community, and the only community ever to host four consecutive Olympic Trials. The economic impact is estimated to be greater than $30 million to our community. www.gotracktownusa.com
- The Shedd is the first performance space in the area to install an “induction hearing loop” hearing assist system in our main concert hall, ticket office, meeting room, and portable ones at our concessions, boutique, will call, etc. Their current renovations will result in looping all of the key performance, meeting and classroom areas throughout the building. They have established a “Loop Lane County Committee” to assist other businesses, professional offices, individuals, theaters, etc., to understand the life-changing experience loops can have for the 30-50% of our community who have hearing loss.
- Lithia Toyota of Springfield received the 2019 Toyota Motor Sales coveted President’s Award – awarded to dealerships that have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining Toyota’s high standards for customer satisfaction.
- Banner Bank made Forbes list of 100 Best Banks, SBA Star Performer four years consecutive and Money Magazine Best Bank in Pacific US.
- 9Wood became the first company in Springfield, OR to receive the BRING Recycling RE:think certification award. Additionally they’ve received the 2013 CISCA Award of Excellence (Silver, West Region, Interior Finishes), 2013 Northwest Walls & Ceilings Bureau Outstanding Project of the Year (Suspended Ceiling, United States), 2013 AIA Portland Design Excellence (Merit).
- Public House was named one of the 10 coolest places in America to drink craft beer in Men’s Journal.
- Nick Nelson, Realtor was ranked in the top 5 percent of Realtors in 2019.
- In 2018 Adoptions Northwest was just a dream which today is operating in Springfield serving children and families with adoption. They obtained their provisional license in May, 2019 and just passed their first inspection, and were issued our 2 year license from DHS! They’re currently in the process of obtaining their Washington license and hope to be serving Washington families in early 2020.
These are only a few of the many notable achievements from our Chamber members this year. If you haven’t already, please let us know what makes your business stand out by filling out this questionnaire here. Please contact paige@springfield-chamber.org or elora@springfield-chamber.org or call 541-746-1651 with any questions.
