Annual Social Hour Celebrates Champion Members and Impact Investors

Delicious hors d’oeuvres, inspiring conversations, and… commemorative shovels? These were just some of the highlights of the annual Social Hour that took place on January 23 to celebrate the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce‘s Champion members and Impact Investors.

Held for the third year in a row at the stunning Urban Lumber Company showroom, the evening kicked off with refreshments and networking among attendees.

Springfield Chamber President & CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen shared updates on the Chamber’s strategic plan, outlining the Chamber’s vision for the next three to five years, and highlighting the ambitious goals and exciting opportunities on the horizon. Mikkelsen expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Champion members and Impact Investors, emphasizing how their support and dedication are essential to making the Chamber’s vision a reality. She also explained how the Chamber’s expanding list of investment options reflects the growing impact and reach of its programs. Recognizing the diverse needs of businesses and organizations in the community, she underscored the importance of offering flexible investment levels that align with a variety of goals and capacities. Mikkelsen’s remarks reinforced the value of working together to create meaningful and lasting change in Springfield.

The Chamber then celebrated new Champion Members from 2024: State Farm Insurance – Cody Fleming (Business Builder), U-Haul of Southern Oregon (Business Builder), RiverBend Materials (Growth Partner), and Summit Bank (upgraded to Growth Partner).

Membership Director John Garbett then joined Mikkelsen in introducing a more nuanced award for founding Impact Investors – commemorative shovels. “…. As a nod to their being part of the groundbreaking of this new initiative, and having the green thumbs to watch it grow,” explained Mikkelsen.

THANK YOU FOUNDING IMPACT INVESTORS:
• Chambers Construction
• City of Springfield
• PeaceHealth
• NW Natural
• McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
• Lane Transit District
• ASTEC
• Umpqua Bank
• Lane Workforce Partnership
• Ziply Fiber

Finally, the Chamber acknowledged their Annual Signature Investors. Through membership, investment in strategic initiatives, and program support, these businesses invested more than $10,000 in the Chamber’s mission.

THANK YOU ANNUAL SIGNATURE INVESTORS:
• Chambers Construction
• Kaiser Permanente
• Lane Transit District
• NW Natural
• PeaceHealth

The Springfield Chamber would like to thank all of their Champion members and Impact Investors, whose dollars support the overall work of the Chamber. Investors are recognized throughout the Chamber’s communication channels for their sponsorship commitment, promoted at signature programs throughout the year, and invited to participate in the annual Champions and Investors recognition event. Get more information on how to become an Impact Investor.

Thanks to Urban Lumber Company for providing the wonderful venue, and Sheild Catering for putting together a beautiful and delicious spread.