SIUSLAW AWARDS TO CELEBRATE BUSINESS’ INNOVATION, RESILIENCY, RECOVERY

The phoenix bird of mythology symbolizes rebirth, second chances, harmony, peace, and prosperity. That’s why the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has chosen Phoenix Rising as this year’s theme for the annual Siuslaw Awards. Come celebrate our business community rising from the ashes of the pandemic and taking flight!

 

This prestigious event will recognize those who inspired us during the past 18 months. Come hear the stories of those businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and individuals that not only survived but thrived through hard work, creativity, collaboration, and compassion.

 

The semi-formal tropical dinner and awards presentation will take place Thursday, July 22, 5:00 p.m. at Three Rivers Casino Resort. The even includes a full dinner, wine, live music, State of the Chamber presentation, installation of new board members, retiring of outgoing board members, Future First Citizen, First Citizen, plus the fun and inspirational awards program. Tickets are just $40 per person or $320 per table of 8?

 

Three Rivers Casino is our special event sponsor and Christina Voogd, principal broker at Berkshire Hathaway Realty, is our wine sponsor. There are still sponsorships available for the room décor ($500). Please contact Bettina Hannigan at 541-997-3128, 3, for details.

 

This event will be a true celebration of our innovation, endurance, bravery and compassion. Three of the traditional categories will carry over this year: the Stu Johnston Business of the Year Award, Future First Citizen Award, and the First Citizen Award.

 

You will hear inspiring stories of businesses that made the best out of a difficult situation and whose innovation led to inspiring others to do the same. There will be stories of business owners and employees who worked on the front lines providing basic needs so our community could stay safe; stories of caring individuals, organizations, and groups of people who refused to give up and that put the needs of the community above their own; and stories about how some brave souls were determined enough to start a business during a pandemic.

 

AND THE NOMINEES ARE (DRUM ROLL)

2020 Phoenix Rising – Siuslaw Awards Nominees

GRACE UNDER FIRE (Customer Service)

Banner Bank

The City of Florence Staff

Darlings Marina & RV Resort

Off Bay Street Bistro

 

PIVOT FORWARD

Berkshire Hathaway

City Lights Cinema

Florence Farmer’s Market

Oregon RAIN

Siuslaw News

 

BRAVE NEW BUSINESS

Boba Flo

Coffee Stained Creations

Professional Massage Therapy, LLC

Serene Abundance Studio

 

YOUNG ENTREPENUER

Jeremy Austen – Austentatious

DJ Reynolds – Novelli’s

Jennifer Brandenberger – US Bead Warehouse

Kristen Goodman – Wildflower Montessori School

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT

C.R.O.W

Florence Habitat for Humanity

Oregon Coast Humane Society

Siuslaw Vision

 

SAFEGUARDING ONE ANOTHER

City of Florence

Northwest Memory Care

Three Rivers Casino

 

HELPING HEARTS

Christmas in June Program / Sam Spayd

Florence Dental Clinic

Soup Brigade / Good Deed Project

 

STU JOHNSTON – BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County

Coastal Fitness

Homegrown Public House & Brewery

Oregon Pacific Bank

 

First Citizen

Lori Gates

Jody O’Mara

Steve Olienyk

Bob Teter

 

Future First Citizen Awardee

Jessica South

 

For more information, please call Florence Area Chamber of Commerce at 541-997-3128, or email events@FlorenceChamber.com.