Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Community and Business Leaders at the 72nd Annual Awards Event
Featured Photo: Livestream Watch Party at Swallowtail Spirits
On Thursday, February 24th, business and community leaders gathered with friends, family, and colleagues, in watch parties across the region to celebrate the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce 72nd Annual Awards and Installation livestreamed event. We had people tune in from from here in Springfield all the way to Seattle, Salem, St. Helens, Eu Claire, Portland, McMinville, and beyond! Under the theme “Inspire Excellence” awards were presented for 2021 Pillar of the Community, Business of the Year, Employer of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Emerging Leader, and Distinguished Citizen. Springfield Chamber President and CEO, Vonnie Mikkelsen, stated in her remarks Thursday evening, “the Excellence in Business and Leadership Awards reflect who we are, the stories of our community; how we conduct business; how we care for our employees and invest in our community; how we bring about positive change in ways that matter; and how we ensure meaningful, long-lasting impact.” The six businesses and individuals recognized for their accomplishments this past year certainly embody these values.
During the event, 2020-2021 Board Chair Charlie Kimball, CFO of wood products manufacturer Murphy Company, reflected on the remarkable accomplishments of the Chamber, members, and leadership through a time of harsh economic uncertainty. Kimball pointed to the Chamber’s strong business advocacy efforts, dissemination of critical information, and provision of small business education and financial resources in keeping with the Chamber’s commitment to helping businesses weather the conditions of a pandemic economy. He said the establishment of the Chamber Foundation in 2021 demonstrates a renewed commitment to investment in small business success and workforce readiness priorities and strengthens the Chamber’s ability to support the community.
Avril Watt, Board Chair 2021-2022 and General Manager of heavy equipment manufacturing company, Astec, opened her address with the story of Henry Ford and Charles Steinmetz, a mechanical engineer, who he called on when the Model T production line broke down. Steinmetz had a knack, a genius, for knowing where to “tinker.” When Ford received the invoice from his friend, he inquired as to the cost of the “tinkering” as he saw it. Steinmetz pointed out that the greatest value and therefore cost was not in the tinkering itself, but rather in knowing exactly where to tinker. Watt reflected on the Chamber’s purpose – fostering a prosperous community by strengthening, representing, and promoting business – saying the “Chamber’s genius is in knowing just where to tinker to make that happen.” Watt went on to lay forth the Chamber’s commitment to foster business vitality, model excellence, and cultivate talent as three areas of focus and commitment in the year ahead. She concluded her remarks by welcoming new board members and introducing the 2022 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
The 2021 Pillar of the Community was presented to Dari Mart.
The Pillar of the Community 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. Dari Mart was born of a vision of Lochmead Farms and Lochmead Dairy matriarch “Grandma Gladys” who opened her first store in 1965. The family-owned business has grown to 44 neighborhood stores across two counties employing over 500 people in our community. For decades, Dari Mart has passionately and generously supported a long list of community causes and nonprofits.
The 2021 Business of the Year Award was presented to Addi’s Diner.
This award recognizes a business that has made, and continues to make, a community-wide impact. Addi’s Diner was selected for their tenacity demonstrated this last year. In a year when closing may have been an easier decision to make than struggling through the wake of the pandemic, Addi’s continued to open their doors every day, because of their unwavering commitment to their customers, their employees, and their community. This year, Addi’s brought notoriety to downtown Springfield with their recognition from Tasting Table as one of the top ten coolest diners in the US.
The 2021 Employer of the Year Award was presented to Franz Bakery.
The 2021 Employer of the Year Award was given to Franz Bakery in recognition of their exceptional commitment to employees, and their focus on workplace culture. This year’s employer of the year is a company that began when a 15 year old boy and his brothers immigrated to the US and to Oregon, and not long after created the beginnings of a proud legacy. This family owned and operated company celebrated its 100th birthday in 2006 by building a bakery in Springfield. Since then, Franz Bakery has continued its deep commitment to caring for its employees and the community it serves.
Jason Stubbs of Oregon Insurance Company
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. Stubbs is a former educator, now a business owner, employing six and serving over 5000 clients across the region. In addition to serving on the Senior Provider Information Network, Jason gives generously of his time to the Boy Scouts of America, serving as the Order of the Arrow Advisor on the Cascade District Boy Scout Board. Stubbs has served in multiple leadership roles at the Springfield and Creswell Chambers of Commerce, currently serving on the Springfield Chamber Board of Directors and executive leadership committee.
Liz Dahlager of Merete Hotel Management
was named the 2021 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. A relentless advocate for women in the workplace, Dahlager was recognized earlier this year by the American Hotel Lodging Association as a woman trailblazer for the hospitality industry, receiving the prestigious Paving the Way Award. Her generosity extends to community causes like Rotary’s Gift of Literacy, BellyFull and to supporting youth sports activities. Dahlager serves on the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is a member of the executive leadership committee, and Chairs the Chambers Economic Development Committee.
Todd Mann of T. Mann Financial
received the 2021 Emerging Leader Award.
This award recognizes an individual who exhibits exemplary leadership in volunteer work, civic engagement, and a commitment to professional and leadership development. With a passion for education and financial literacy, Mann lives that passion through service on a number of boards and committees, including the Springfield Education Foundation, Springfield Public Library Foundation, and Springfield Public Schools Board of Education.
He has given generously of his talent and time to developing robust programs for members of the Leadership Eugene Springfield cohort, and in guiding school-to-career offerings of the Chamber’s WorkReady initiative. It is through these and so many other efforts, he has shown a genuine investment in the success of students, professionals, and civic entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds. Our future does indeed depend on business leaders and community servants of his caliber.
Jason Stubbs, Oregon Insurance Company, 2021 Greeter of the Year.
Jason Stubbs, owner of Oregon Insurance Company, was named 2021 Greeter of the Year during the annual greeter appreciation breakfast in December and was recognized during Thursday’s event. Jason was recognized for his years of dedicated service to Springfield Greeters, having served in many roles, including Chair, and most recently Treasurer. Jason is an ambassador in the community and a well respected leader, most deserving of the Greeter of the Year award.
