Springfield Chamber Accepting Nominations for 2023 “Best in Business”
In 2024, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate a milestone anniversary – a remarkable 75-year legacy – a time to reflect on our rich history and honor the enduring spirit of enterprise that propels us forward.
As a nod to all our dedicated members that have gone above and beyond, we will celebrate you, your commitment to community, and your contribution to the Chamber at the prestigious Inspire Excellence Annual Awards event on February 8th at the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater in downtown Springfield. These awards serve as a testament to the outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment of our members. They embody the essence of what the Chamber has stood for over the decades – that a prosperous community is built on thriving businesses and the people behind them who model and inspire excellence.
We hope you’ll join us at this momentous celebration of 75 years of history; and we invite you to nominate your businesses and colleagues for these awards, ensuring that these contributions to our community are celebrated.
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the following awards:
Any member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce may submit an award nomination. Nominees must be members of the Springfield Chamber, with the exception of the Distinguished Citizen award. A business or individual cannot be nominated for an award they have received within the past 15 years. The Awards Selection Committee will determine award recipients based on qualifying information pertaining to the award criteria.
Award recipients will be announced at the Inspire Excellence Annual Awards in February 2024.
BUSINESS AWARD CRITERIA
PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY
A deserving recipient of the 2023 Pillar of the Community Award is an organization that has made a long-standing impact on the community. It is a company that has had significant impacts on employment, innovation, and stability, and contributes to the community beyond their core business.
INDIVIDUAL AWARD CRITERIA
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in their organization, profession, industry and community. The recipient will have demonstrated a personal commitment to Springfield, integrity and excellence in business, quality customer service, and fosters a positive workplace environment.
2022 Pillar of the Community:
Lithia Toyota of Springfield
2022 Business Person of the Year:
Celeste Wong | Celeste Watch Company
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
A deserving recipient of the 2023 Business of the Year Award is a business that has had an exceptional year based upon an expansion, opening, or a turnaround. The Business of the Year has, and continues to make, a community-wide impact.
DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
This award recognizes an individual in our community who has demonstrated exemplary civic leadership. The recipient will have made substantial contributions to the business community and civic enterprises over time.
2022 Business of the Year:
The Chronicle
2022 Distinguished Citizen:
Peter Defazio | Former Congressman
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
A deserving recipient of the 2023 Employer of the Year Award recognizes an organization in our community that demonstrates exceptional commitment to its employees. They are dedicated to providing professional development and advancement opportunities, focus on workplace culture and work/life balance, employee recognition, and exhibit a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
EMERGING LEADER
This award recognizes an individual in our community who exhibits exemplary leadership in volunteer work and civic engagement, demonstrating a marked commitment to their professional and leadership development. They have risen to prominence through their community and demonstrate great potential for positive impact in the years to come.
2022 Employer of the Year:
Oregon Community Credit Union
2022 Emerging Leader:
Kenny Weigandt | Willamalane
