71st Annual Award Recipients
The Springfield Chamber’s 71st Annual Awards and Board of Directors Installation event, celebrating outstanding achievement in commerce and civic involvement in 2020, was held online Thursday evening, February 25, under the theme of “Inspire Excellence.”
Prestigious awards for Emerging Leader, Business of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Greeter of the Year, Pillar of the Community, Distinguished Citizen, Employer of the Year, and a new Award of Distinction were announced to an online audience of chamber member business and civic leaders.
“We are humbled and inspired by the courage, sacrifice, commitment, and innovation of so many who stepped in to support our community, our families, and our small businesses,” said Vonnie Mikkelsen, CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s award recipients represent tremendous achievements in entrepreneurial and civic endeavors, and we are thrilled to continue our tradition of honoring them.”
This year, a record 32 nominations for six award categories were received and submitted to an independent selection committee of 15 former award winners who met in January to select the recipients. The Chamber remains neutral during the nominations process, allowing all chamber members to nominate a peer they feel meets the criteria of the award, and the selection committee the ability to exercise objectivity and due diligence in selecting winners.
Presenting Sponsor: Springfield Utility Board
2020 Award of Distinction
Frontline Workers of PeaceHealth and McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
New this year, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to present the 2020 Award of Distinction to the frontline workers of PeaceHealth and McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center for their outstanding commitment to the community during the pandemic. Many Chamber members have employees or family who were impacted by COVID. The award committee saw the need to honor those working behind the scenes who care for our community and keep it safely moving forward.
2020 Pillar of the Community
Lane Transit District
Lane Transit District is the Chamber’s 2020 Pillar of the Community. The award goes to an organization that has made a long-standing contribution to the community and has had significant impacts on employment, innovation, stability, and contributes to the community beyond their core business. LTD consistently provided families, friends, and neighbors with efficient transportation in the most difficult conditions with their legacy of a can-do spirit.
2020 Business of the Year
Bicoastal Media
The 2020 Business of the Year Award was presented to Bicoastal Media for their community-wide impact and dedication to providing access to real-time information, local news, and great music that helped maintain a sense of public togetherness and connectivity so people knew what to do to support each other.
2020 Employer of the Year
McDonald Wholesale
The 2020 Employer of the Year Award was given to McDonald Wholesale in recognition of their exceptional commitment to employees, and their focus on workplace culture. During a trying year, especially for those in the food service industry, McDonald Wholesale decided early on in the pandemic not to layoff or furlough a single employee. Instead, because of their family centric culture, they leaned in, encouraging and supporting their employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. As one employee expressed, “They make it clear that the one thing you don’t have to worry about during a time of challenge is your job and your paycheck and your position here at McDonald Wholesale. They’re all about work-life balance and family-first. They walk their talk, and I’m inspired by that.”
Award Sponsor: McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
2020 Distinguished Citizen
Christine Lundberg
Former Springfield mayor Christine Lundberg was presented the 2020 Distinguished Citizen Award. The award recognizes an individual in the community who has demonstrated exemplary civic leadership and made substantial contributions to the business community and civic enterprises. The Springfield native was elected to Springfield city council in 1999 and became mayor in 2010. During her tenure, Springfield flourished, attracting new investments in infrastructure, housing, and business growth including the construction of PeaceHealth Hospital at Riverbend, improvements to Interstate 5 and Beltline were planned, and LTD’s EmX routes benefitting Springfield became reality. She is a champion for balanced growth and for inspiring a business-friendly culture at Springfield City Hall.
2020 Business Person of the Year
Robert Killen
Robert Killen of the Lane Small Business Development Center was named the 2020 Business Person of the Year. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in their organization, profession, industry, and community along with a personal commitment to Springfield. Killen was a go-to resource for questions on small business relief funds and adapting business models in a new environment. He partnered with many local organizations to provide trainings, information, sound advice, and help businesses connect with the right resources.
2020 Emerging Leader
Mark Molina
Mark Molina of Molina Leadership Solutions received the 2020 Emerging Leader Award. This recognizes an individual who exhibits exemplary leadership in volunteer work, civic engagement, and a commitment to professional and leadership development. Molina started a new business and gave his time to volunteer during the wildfire recovery efforts. He volunteered for the Springfield Chamber Board of Directors, the Springfield City Club Board of Directors, and the Springfield Utility Board.
2020 Greeter of the Year
Shiloh Powers
Shiloh Powers, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, was named 2020 Greeter of the Year during the annual greeter appreciation breakfast in December and was recognized during Thursday’s event.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2021
Board chair Charlie Kimball, CFO of Murphy Company, welcomed the board’s newest members: Jeff Nelson, SUB; Paul Warda, PeaceHealth; and Scott Stewart of OHdorless and announced the 2021 officers Avril Watt, Johnson Crushers International, Inc., chair elect; Debi Creager, Chambers Construction Co., treasurer; and Kristi Kernutt, PacificSource Health Plans, secretary.
