The Chamber Banquet Celebrates Excellence in 2019 and Opportunities in 2020, Jan. 28

BACC release – All enjoyed a great evening this past Saturday at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet—Our Time to Shine! Wonderful food, unique entertainment featuring the BACC Breakers Troupe, and a variety of awards and recognitions which truly make this a community celebration on the Chamber’s 40th anniversary. Citizen of the year is an honor given to a member of our community who, by consistently giving of their time, energy and resources, has made Oregon’s Bay Area a better place to live. For 2019 that award was given to Rachel Richardson. Rachel has made volunteer service a way of life. She is the youth leader at her church, volunteers at the Pelican Harbor Food Bank, is active in the Coquille Rotary, SCDC Executive Board and much, much more. She is a successful business person, but her main business is people and this community. The Business of the Year award is given to a business that has exhibited excellence in products and customer service; contributed time, manpower and resources to community improvement projects; and excelled in employee relations and training. This year’s recipient has been one of the most respected names in U.S. flag marine cargo transportation for decades. At the core of their growth and success is a commitment to customer service and dedication to community. The 2019 award went to Sause Bros. Inc., honoring their excellence in business and strong commitment to the community for over 80 years. Chamber Member of the Year is given to that member, who through their efforts, has carried us to a new level of community service and impact. In 2019 we recognized two individuals. Michele Hampton has been the energetic Chair of the Business Development and Retention team and has served as Chamber Treasurer for the past four years. Tom Burdett is being honored for his amazing work as Chair of the Legislative Action Team, which has actively worked the state legislature and issues locally to help create an economic climate that promotes business and community. Additionally, Sharon Rogers, a music specialist at Hillcrest Elementary School, was recognized as Educator of the Year. Ty Hampton received the 2019 Prefontaine Athlete Award. The School Boards of Coos Bay and North Bend and Southwestern Oregon Community College were given the 2019 Community Award to honor a group of volunteers that continuously works toward a better future for our communities by equipping the next generation for success, sometimes in the face of tough odds. Their successes we and our children enjoy, for it sets the stage for a strong future in Oregon’s Bay Area. What a great evening! See you at next year’s Banquet on the last Saturday of January. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, professional business organization made up of the Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston communities. The Chamber works for a healthy economic climate of good jobs, more customers and efficient government. The Chamber’s strength lies in the number and diversity of its membership. With over 530 members strong representing every aspect of this area’s economy, we use their vast collective experiences and energy to make a positive difference in our community.