Closing Out 2024: A Tribute to 75 Years of Partnership
Throughout 2024, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated its 75th year of incorporation with promotions, events, and recognition. With this milestone year wrapped up, the Chamber would like to recognize their longest-standing members – eight local businesses that have been loyal partners since the Chamber’s founding in 1949.
Honoring Legacy Members
For 75 years, eight distinguished organizations have remained steadfast members of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, helping shape the community and foster its growth. Moving forward into 2025 and beyond, the Chamber extends heartfelt gratitude to these legacy members for their contributions to Springfield’s prosperity and vitality.
The City of Springfield
225 Fifth Street, Springfield • 541-726-3700
Incorporated as a city in 1885, Springfield has a rich history of growth and development. Known for its pro-business environment, the city continues to draw independent entrepreneurs and global industries alike. The City’s Economic Development team plays a vital role in fostering job creation, business recruitment, and innovative projects that ensure a thriving community.
Hexion, Inc.
470 South Second Street, Springfield • 541-746-8461
Founded more then 150 years ago, Hexion’s history has been built on thinking differently and focusing on the needs of their communities. Their legacy can be traced to Gail Borden, who was an inventor focused on developing new food concentrates to alleviate the hardships experienced by pioneers. His philosophy continues to inspire and guide Hexion, even today.
Jones & Roth CPAs and Business Advisors
260 Country Club Road #100, Eugene • 541-687-2320
Jones & Roth is a leading CPA firm with deep roots in the Eugene community. Known for their expertise and community engagement, the firm supports local businesses, nonprofits, and charitable activities. Their commitment to excellence is reflected in their strong ties to local universities and organizations.
Oldham Crane Service, Inc.
3330 Franklin Boulevard, Glenwood • 541-726-7646
A fourth-generation family-owned business founded in 1928, Oldham Crane Service has consistently modernized its equipment to meet diverse client needs. Praised for their professionalism, experience, and reliability, Oldham Crane Service exemplifies the values of dedication and innovation that contribute to long-term success.
RG Media Company
3500 Chad Drive #600, Eugene • 541-485-1234
Established in 1867, RG Media Company has a long legacy of delivering trusted news and information. As the publisher of The Register-Guard, the organization continues to serve as a vital resource for the Springfield and Eugene communities.
Safeway, Inc.
1891 Pioneer Parkway East, Springfield • 541-747-0715
Visit your neighborhood Safeway located in Springfield for a convenient and friendly grocery experience. With fresh produce, a bakery for customizable treats, and a pharmacy, Safeway has consistently provided excellent service to meet the needs of local residents.
US Bank
800 Willamette Street #300, Eugene • 541-465-4054
US Bank has been a long-time supporter of local economic development initiatives and community events. Here in Oregon, the US Bank Foundation Opportunity Fund supported economic equity through the Warm Springs Community Action Team (WSCAT), who offers programs focused on small business development, homeownership, workforce and youth development and more to about 1,000 people each year, and is building a small business incubator for tribal entrepreneurs.
Weyerhaeuser Company
5000 Franklin Boulevard, Glenwood • 541-744-4600
For over a century, Weyerhaeuser has been a leader in sustainable forestry and forest products. The company’s dedication to conservation, renewable energy, and responsible land stewardship ensures that its legacy benefits both the environment and the community.
The 75th anniversary festivities began February 8, 2024 at the annual Inspire Excellence Awards at the Richard E. Wildish Theater in downtown Springfield. The event featured the premiere of 75 Years of Excellence in Springfield, Oregon: The Legacy of the Springfield Chamber, a six-and-a-half-minute legacy video curated by Chamber staff and artfully filmed, directed, and edited by local media company Brodon Creative Media. The video highlights the Chamber’s rich history, community impact, and vision for the future.
In addition to the video, the Chamber launched an exciting initiative – a time capsule to be sealed early in 2025, with instructions to be opened during the Chamber’s 100th anniversary in 2049. Over the course of this year, the Chamber has collected artifacts and written reflections to encapsulate the stories, achievements, and predictions of Springfield in 2024, offering a glimpse of the past for future generations.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on 75 years of success and partnership, the Chamber would like to thank all of its members, community partners, and countless volunteers that make their work possible. When the business community thrives, community follows suit – this continues to be the driving force behind the Chamber’s mission and vision as they honor Springfield’s past while looking ahead to a wealth of new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
