Springfield Chamber of Commerce Honors Businesses and Individuals at the Annual Inspire Excellence Awards
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce returned to the Wildish Theater in downtown Springfield on February 20 for their Inspire Excellence Annual Awards celebration, presented by the University of Oregon. Attendees came together for an evening filled with surprises, uplifting remarks, laughter, and a few tears – the good kind – to honor and recognize the talent, dedication, and legacy of local businesses and individuals.
The evening kicked off with a lively networking reception, as guests filled the Wildish Theater’s stage area, laughing with colleagues and making new connections. Attendees mingled over drinks and small bites, while a dynamic slideshow highlighted the Chamber’s valued sponsors and memorable moments from the past year. By the time the lights dimmed, the audience was ready to celebrate excellence in our business community.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen welcomed attendees with inspiring remarks, emphasizing the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving business community. She highlighted the collective impact of local businesses in driving growth and innovation.
Adding to the evening’s forward-thinking focus, University of Oregon’s Assistant Vice President of Economic Development and Strategic Relations, Tina Guldberg, invited attendees to participate in a valuable Innovation & Economic Prosperity study survey designed to help shape UO’s strategic initiatives for the future.
“You’re the heartbeat of the Springfield Chamber. You – along with thousands across nearly 800 member organizations ‘fight for the highest possible good in the lives of those you lead,’ investing in people and families, shaping our economy and strengthening our community. You are why the Springfield Chamber exists and why we commit to empowering rising professionals, equipping individuals with the knowledge and experience necessary to be effective leaders in business, industry, and community.”
– Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
The awards ceremony followed Mikkelsen’s remarks. In total, seven awards were presented to outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Springfield community.
2024 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
IEQ Technology, represented by owners Tim and Jenny Woolley, was honored as the 2024 Business of the Year for their strong commitment to their values, employees, and community. IEQ Technology is a business technology company that offers managed IT services, legacy systems, and custom software.
2024 EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Connected Lane County accepted the 2024 Employer of the Year award, represented on stage by staff member Parker Bracy, outgoing Executive Director Heidi Larwick, and new Executive Director Jesse Nelson. Connected Lane County’s mission is to equip Lane County youth with the tools to help them gain confidence in their abilities and see value in their decisions – to break down barriers, build bridges, and create strategic partnerships that connect youth with education and employment pathways to transform their future potential.
2024 PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY
Rosboro was awarded the 2024 Pillar of the Community award for their outstanding legacy as well as their incredible plans for expansion into the future. Established in 1939, Rosboro has grown into a nationwide industry leader in glulam timber – a best-in-class product and brand – while keeping their roots firmly planted here in Springfield. Brian Wells, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development, and CEO Richard Babcock accepted the award on behalf of the company, with a staff of 350 employees and growing.
2024 BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Jessica Ahrenholtz, Executive Director of NextStep Recycling, won the 2024 Business Person of the Year award. For this award, she was recognized as a dedicated leader with a clear vision that expanded opportunities for both her nonprofit and the community as a whole. She accepted the award from former winner Rick Satre.
2024 EMERGING LEADER
Liz Tate of Mereté Hotel Management received the 2024 Emerging Leader award for her passion, service, and leadership both in and outside of the tourism industry. She accepted the award from 2023 winner, Amber Kelel.
2024 DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN
Roger Wong of the Lane Small Business Development Center was honored with the title of 2024 Distinguished Citizen. His years of unwavering support of his community through mentorship, consulting services, and problem-solving exemplify his strong fit for this award. He was introduced by 2023 winner, Dorothy Velasco.
2024 GREETER OF THE YEAR
Robb Evans of Converted Kitchen was recognized as the 2024 Greeter of the Year for his exceptional contribution to the Springfield Chamber Greeters small business networking programs.
In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees heard from past Board of Directors Chair, Avril Watt, as she ceremoniously passed a gavel to new Board Chair, Deborah Creager. Creager’s remarks solidified the Chamber’s commitment to their new strategic plan – she thanked the current Board for their dedication as they carve out time from their busy lives in service to the Chamber and its mission.
“As we look ahead to the future, I’m excited to continue building on the momentum created by Avril Watt and past leaders. This year, as we launch our new three-year strategic plan, we are laser-focused on deepening our impact in key areas: economic growth, business advocacy and influence, and performance excellence.”
– Deborah Creager, Chair, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Chair: Deborah Creager, Chambers Construction
Past Chair: Avril Watt, ASTEC Industries
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
Charles LaBorn, Partnered Solutions IT
Courtney Griesel, Sierra Pacific Industries
David Butler, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
David Hill, Tribal One
Dhruti Amin, ALKO Hotel Management
Jameson Auten, Lane Transit District
Jeff Nelson, Springfield Utility Board
Kari Westlund, Kari Westlund Strategic Services
Ken Brown, Rexius Forest By-Products
Kimberly Pepion, Kernutt Stokes
Kimberly Ruscher, PeaceHealth Medical Center at Riverbend
Matt Roberts, University of Oregon
Nick Nelson, Keller Williams Realty
Pablo Valentine, Hershner Hunter
Sarah Mellgren, Roehl & Yi Investment Advisors
Shelley Tinkham, Lane Community College
Tab Davis, Bicoastal Media
Tammy Inglis-Drew, AIMS Mobile Nursing
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.
