The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce handed out a dozen awards to business and community leaders at its Annual Awards Night for 2020-21 on Saturday, Feb. 5, at The Legend at Bergamont golf course.
Ida Dempich, chiropractic assistant at Breitbach Chiropractic and president of the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce presented this year’s President’s Award to Oregon Area Fire/EMS District Chief Glenn Linzmeier for his efforts to “make Oregon a better place and attract more business.”
Linzmeier has been with the OAFED for six years.
“Glenn’s love of community involvement and giving back shines every day in his work as Chief of the Oregon Area Fire/EMS District,” Dempich said. “Thank you and your team for doing your part responding when members of your fire/EMS district are in crisis. We know COVID has had an impact on you and your team. Thank you for continuing to serve through all the unknowns as we navigate through a pandemic. We are grateful for your service.”
This year there were two recipients of the Business Person of the Year to represent both 2020 and 2021 – Bill Faust Jr. from Bill’s Food Center and Steve Peotter from One Community Bank.
“Bill worked tireless hours during COVID serving the community by staying open,” Dempich said. “Meeting the safety guidelines to keep his staff and customers safe. Bill’s employs many members of our community, young and old. Bill’s supports Oregon through their Supports Oregon Program. In 2021 they donated $29,615 to local groups. Since 1996 they have donated $543,842 back to the community.”
“Steve Peotter and his team at One Community Bank were instrumental in keeping businesses open during the pandemic as his team processed many PPP Loan applications,” Dempich said. “The drive-ups were open for business. They employ many high school students. They give back to the community in many ways, financial contributions, and volunteering.
The Community Impact Award went to Diane Sliter, former Oregon Area Food Pantry Director.
“As the director, Diane led the food pantry through the pandemic,” Dempich said. “During COVID, Diane and her team had to rethink food pantry distributions. She and her volunteers packaged the food for their guests and distributed it to the cars drive up style. She and her team also had to rethink donations. She initiated the Anderson Farm County Park food pantry garden for food pantry guests to get fresh vegetables.”
The Business Impact Award went to Greg Granberg, Oregon School District’s School to Career program coordinator.
“Greg Granberg has been working with the Oregon School District and Oregon businesses for the past 10 years helping connect between 50 and 75 students per year with local businesses with their first professional work experience,” Dempich said. “This partnership between local businesses and students has been a huge benefit to all involved. It has allowed the local businesses to fill their entry-level positions while also training and shaping their future workforce. This partnership has also been beneficial to the students – our future workforce – because it has allowed them to work in a career they are interested in and decide first hand if this is the career area for them.”
The award for new construction went to Thysse commercial printing services.
“Thysse moved to Oregon over 10 years ago,” Dempich said. “They added on and continued growing out of their space. They built their new building on Cusick Parkway. It is a beautiful addition to Oregon.”
Six businesses were also recognized for new renovations including Firefly Coffeehouse, Headquarters Bar and Restaurant, Kickback Café, Pizza Pit, Pride Nutrition and The Wine Reserve.
