Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 75 Years of Legacy and Excellence
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce commemorated its 75th year of service to the community at the Inspire Excellence Annual Awards celebration held on February 8 at the Richard E. Wildish Theater in downtown Springfield. The event, which brought together esteemed members and dignitaries, showcased the rich history and vibrant future of the Chamber.
The evening began with a networking reception, where attendees quickly filled up the Wildish Theater’s stage area, resplendent with the Springfield Chamber’s freshly rebranded logo and colors. As attendees enjoyed drinks, small bites, and a live guitarist, a colorful slide presentation played in the background showcasing sponsor members and Chamber events and programs from the previous year. But by the time the stage lights went down, most were already in their seats and abuzz with anticipation.
Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees with heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the Chamber’s enduring commitment to progress and prosperity. Mikkelsen shared highlights from the Chamber’s earliest recorded history dating back to the early 1930s and underscoring the unwavering dedication of the business community to the betterment of Springfield and surrounding areas.
“It is commerce and community that brought us together. In many ways, the Springfield Chamber has drastically changed. But, what strikes me is what remains consistent: people coming together, pooling their talents and resources with a common purpose, holistically invested in this place we call community; and with grit and determination, shaping the Springfield area we know and love.”
– Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
As part of the evening’s festivities, several prestigious awards were presented to outstanding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the Springfield community:
2023 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Valley Contax, represented by Vice President Josh Adams, was honored as the 2023 Business of the Year for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence in business practices. Valley Contax is a high-tech contact lens manufacturing company with a global market. They recently celebrated an expansion of their facility in Springfield.
2023 EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Oakmont Family Dental, represented by Dr. Matt McLaughlin, received the 2023 Employer of the Year Award in recognition of their exemplary workplace culture and dedication to employee well-being.
2023 PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY
Rexius Forest By-Products was honored with the 2023 Pillar of the Community Award in recognition of their lasting impact and exemplary service to the Springfield community. Third generation co-owners, Rusty and Arlen Rexius accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
2023 BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Jenna Fribley, co-founder and principal of Campfire Collaborative Architecture & Design, was named the 2023 Business Person of the Year for her visionary leadership and significant contributions to downtown revitalization efforts. She accepted the award from 2022 winner Celeste Wong.
2023 EMERGING LEADER
Amber Kelel of Systems West Engineers was honored with the 2023 Emerging Leader award for her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to community development. She accepted the award from 2022 winner Kenny Weigandt.
2023 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
Dorothy Velasco was celebrated as the 2023 Distinguished Citizen for her lifelong dedication to enhancing Springfield’s cultural richness and community spirit. She was introduced by 2021 winner Jason Stubbs, along with a special introduction via pre-recorded video by 2022 winner Peter DeFazio.
2023 GREETER OF THE YEAR
Tammy Inglis-Drew, owner of AIMS Mobile Nursing, was recognized as the 2023 Greeter of the Year for exceptional contribution to the Springfield Chamber Greeters small business networking programs.
75 YEARS OF SERVICE
The Inspire Excellence Annual Awards this year marked the beginning of the Springfield Chamber’s 75th year in business. President and CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen, during the Awards program, displayed for the audience a 75th anniversary ‘time capsule;’ one with instructions to be opened at the Chamber’s 100th year anniversary in 2049. The actual capsule was unveiled on stage with a promise that at some point this year, it would be filled with keepsakes and mementos by members and tucked away until that next milestone year.
In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees heard from Jeff Nelson, General Manager at Springfield Utility Board, the title sponsor for the evening; Ken Brown, Chamber Board member and fundraising chair, who expounded on the merits of supporting Springfield Chamber Foundation and what the Foudnation will do in 2024; and Avril Watt, General Manager of ASTEC and Chair of the Springfield Chamber Board of Directors, on the Chamber’s strategic initiatives and vision for the future. Watt also introduced the esteemed members of the 2024 Board of Directors, whose collective commitment to the Chamber’s mission ensures continued growth and success.
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Chair: Avril Watt, ASTEC Industries
Chair-Elect: Deborah Creager, Chambers Construction
Treasurer: Stacy Koos, Summit Bank
Secretary: Kenny Weigandt, Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Allie Camp, City of Springfield
Amber Kelel Systems West Engineers
Beth Harrison, USI Northwest
Camille Gandolfi, Lane Transit District
Charles LaBorn, Partnered Solutions IT
Cory Burket, Kelly’s Closets, LJ Pearson Construction
Courtney Griesel, Sierra Pacific Industries
David Butler, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
David Hill, Tribal One
Jeff Nelson, Springfield Utility Board
Kari Westlund, Travel Lane County
Ken Brown, Rexius Forest By-Products
Kimberly Ruscher, PeaceHealth Medical Center at Riverbend
Matt Roberts, University of Oregon
Nick Nelson, Keller Williams Realty
Pablo Valentine, Hershner Hunter
Shelley Tinkham, Lane Community College
Tab Davis, Bicoastal Media
Tiffany Monroe, Lane Families for Farms and Forests
The Springfield Chamber would like to thank all the sponsors of this event for their generous donations, and the many volunteers for their time, energy, and dedication.
About the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit association comprised of private, public, and non-profit organizations in the Springfield, Eugene, and surrounding communities. The Chamber offers programs and services to strengthen, represent, and promote business throughout the region. For more information about how to join or volunteer for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.springfield-chamber.org or call 541-746-1651.
