SPRINGFIELD — Community members across scores of sectors on Feb. 20 gathered at the Wildish Theater during the annual Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony to celebrate the businesses, the business champions, and the people behind it all that “Inspire Excellence” locally.
The Chamber’s track record in 2024 reflects its commonly used mantra, “We Open Doors.” According to Vonnie Mikkelson, the Chamber’s CEO, president, and ceremony emcee, the organization conducted 24 ribbon cuttings and grand openings, offered 1,000 hours of business education through workshops, and saw visits triple online to its Small Business Solutions Hub.
She added that Chamber volunteers contributed over 1,700 hours to lead and serve on committees, “drawing up initiatives that shape our community’s future with the spirit of collaboration and curiosity that fuels constructive dialog.”
She said over 400 members participated in its Roundtable meetings and on-site tours, having “come together to discuss policy with elected leaders to gain deeper insights into local economic conditions and become informed advocates for a thriving business climate.”
“What’s the motivation? Well, let’s talk about that,” Mikkelson said. “It’s one that is deeply rooted in community, investing in people, not only their own employees, but the causes their employees care about, actively shaping the future of communities.”
Mikkelson said that Rosboro Lumber is a Springfield business exemplary of all those qualities as she introduced the 2024 Pillar of the Community Award.
Recognized for its sustainability and longstanding impact, “Rosboro has championed sustainable manufacturing, created quality jobs, and strengthened local economic ties; and their investment in Springfield isn’t just enduring – it’s continuing to expand,” Mikkelson said.
Established in 1939 at 2509 Main St., the company makes as many beams in a month as any other beam producer does in a year.
The now 75-plus-acre operation is a nationwide industry leader in glue-laminated timber, or “glulam.” This construction material consists of wood layers bonded with adhesives. The adhesive combines small pieces to make a heftier piece of wood, creating a stronger material that spans farther or carries more weight than a native tree.
Mikkelson recognized that despite its growth, the company still keeps it local.
“And they’re just getting warmed up,” she said.
In late 2023, the company announced a $110 million investment in new production infrastructure, which is estimated to be fully operational in 2026. Rich Babcock, Rosboro’s CEO, said this is the company’s most significant expansion since the early 1960s, and it will be the world’s most efficient, modern technological plant.
The investment will include a technologically advanced glue-laminated timber manufacturing plant capable of producing 70 million board feet annually and other upgrades to improve production.
“It’s time for another evolution. That’s where we are today,” Babcock stated in the award presentation video. “If we’re going to live through the next cycle, or the cycle after that, and if we’re going to be here in such a stable manner like we have been for the last 100 years, for the next 100 years in Springfield, we must reinvest in the company … so that we can continue to grow with customers.”
Other recognitions
• Liz Tate of Mereté Hotel Management earned the 2024 Emerging Leader Award for her inspiring perspective.
“Tate sees tourism not just as an industry but as an opportunity to uplift, empower, and preserve culture for future generations,” Mikkelson said. “Her work is far-reaching, having taken on a national role advocating for Native communities and women in the hospitality sector.”
• Connected Lane County earned Employer of the Year. It was praised for its work with marginalized youth in Springfield and Eugene and its impact on providing youth talent opportunities to excel.
CLC “demonstrates exceptional commitment to their employees through including professional development opportunities, workplace culture, work/life balance, and commitment to diversity and inclusion,” Mikkelson said.
New executive director Jesse Nelson showed up to accept the award, and outgoing executive director Heidi Larwick was in tow.
• Jessica Ahrenholtz, executive director of NextStep Recycling, earned the 2024 Businessperson of the Year Award. She was recognized for her leadership in the Chamber, including co-chairing the 2024 Springfield Greeters and Time Capsule committees and serving on the Chamber’s Member Experience committee.
A new Springfield homeowner, she was recognized for her commitment to her community and her “Chamber family.”
“It’s a feeling of community that I’ve never felt my entire life,” Ahrenholtz said.
That wasn’t the only “family” in the auditorium. Ahrenholtz was visibly ecstatic to see her brother, niece, sister-in-law, and daughter emerge behind the stage while accepting her award.
Ahrenholtz has secured a $100,000 grant from Lowe’s to relaunch a job skills training program for special needs students, autistic young adults, and transitional programs in Springfield and Eugene.
• Tim and Jenny Woolley, owners of IEQ Technology, picked up the 2024 Business of the Year Award.
Mikkelson said the company, which creates custom software, apps, and websites, was chosen for its “values-centered leadership.”
In the past year, IEQ has expanded its team by 70% and opened two new Springfield offices — one across the hall from The Chronicle’s newsroom and another on Harlow Road.
“Our core values are just good, honest, honest work. Give your clients what they’re paying for,” Tim Wooley said.
• Roger Wong of the Small Business Development Center earned the 2024 Distinguished Citizen Award for spending over 15 years mentoring and advising small business owners.
“After retiring from a distinguished career in the restaurant and executive leadership industries, Roger has dedicated himself to supporting others, providing thousands of hours of one-on-one guidance to business owners across the region,” Mikkelson said.
• Robb Evans of Converted Kitchen was named 2024 Greeter of the Year. He liaises between the Springfield and Eugene Greeters, business-to-business networking groups.
“We show up, and by doing that, we support our community, we support our nonprofits, we support each other’s businesses,” Evans said. “That is a special thing for me to be a part of.”
Deborah Creager, new Chamber Board chair, said she hopes to build on the momentum set forth by past chair Avril Watt. “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.”
