February 2025 Newsletter

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Albany Area Chamber Network

Large Business of the Year Nominees -

Central Willamette Credit Union

Hayden Homes

Mid-Willamette Family YMCA

Small Business of the Year Nominees -

Albany’s Historic Carousel

Deluxe Brewing

Habitat For Humanity

Jr. First Citizen Nominees -

Drew Smythe

Jake Zilverberg

Karsen O'Bryan

Laura Butner

First Citizen Nominees -

Cherita Wilson

Jill Nelson

Rebecca Bond

Presenting Sponsor Register Here or Use QR Code Below Honoring Legacy Award RecipientIlynn Winn Gold Sponsor: Pacific Power

Distinguished Service NomineesGamael Nassar

Jim Richards

Oscar Hult

Rex Watkins

Student of the YearSantiam - Caleb Guest

South Albany - Carson Dickey

West Albany - Brianna Williams

Silver Sponsors: Citizens Bank, CPI, Oregon State Credit Union, Samaritan Albany General Hospital

Bronze Sponsors: Gerding Builders, Mike's Heating and Air, Parr Lumber, Republic Services

February Membership Forum

“Harvesting Hope -A Winery Owner's 25-Year Journey of Resilience, Reflection, and Renewal” with Mary Olson - Owner of Airlie Winery

February 26th, 11:30am

Special Guests: South Albany H.S. State Volleyball Champions

Airlie Winery has thirty acres of grapes consisting of nine varietals: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and more that are used in making award winning wines.

Mary Olson purchased Airlie Winery and the estate vineyard in 1997. Airlie is a destination winery, not a ticket to punch or a box to check. Mary has been known to say, “We’re not a stop along the way. Most folks come to sip and stay.” Nestled in the coastal mountain range on the western edge of the Willamette Valley, the inviting setting, complete with a picnic area and pond, extends any plans for just a brief stop. Located in the Heart of the Willamette Valley, Corvallis, Salem, Albany, Dallas and Monmouth are just a short drive away.

Airlie has something for everyone – an intimate tasting room and patio and deck with expansive views of the beautiful Dunn Forest vineyard and the coast range. It’s not unusual for a family to pack a picnic, open a bottle of wine and let the kids and dogs frolic in the vineyard or catch frogs in the pond.

Sponsored by:

If you are the parent or guardian of a high school senior from

Sponsored by:

Biggest Issue Facing Albany:

GOLDEN TICKET WINNER:

K.D. SMITH REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Professional Background:

I have been a licensed real estate broker since April of 2007 and I currently hold a Principal Broker’s license. Education is important to me, so in addition to the 30 hours of required credits I have to get for license renewal, I often take specialized courses to expand my knowledge. I have several designations recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® including: SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) & PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor). These are all huge benefits to buyers and sellers in their property search & sale process.

I think one of our biggest issues is with homelessness. With all the new construction (mainly apartments) happening currently, we are beginning to see some alleviation of housing shortages, but it’s just scratching the surface. According to the 2024 State of the State’s Housing Report put out by Oregon Housing & Community Services: “Oregon must add 500,000 housing units over the next two decades to begin addressing supply issues.”

You and your company’s community involvement:

In 2024 I and others were able to help out with C.H.A.N.C.E., Christmas Storybook Land, supporting Furniture Share with donations, and additionally I am very active in other activities that my church supports including making comforters for victims of the NC wildfires, and more.

Business Marketing Niche: My personal viewpoint mirrors the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Other than working hard and doing the right thing no matter how it affects you personally, I truly believe there are no magic formulas for success. Just know that when you or someone you know works with me, I will treat them with the same respect and care that I would give my own family.

Students of the Month

Oregon State Credit Union is proud to announce three key leadership appointments. Jim Gibson has been named Chief Operations Officer, building on his 191⁄2 years of dedicated service at the credit union. Additionally, Michelle Anderson has been hired as Oregon State Credit Union’s first-ever Chief Lending Officer and Liz Martin will join the credit union as its first Chief Growth Officer.

Oregon State Credit Union is proud to announce three key leadership appointments. Jim Gibson has been named Chief Operations Officer, building on his 19.5 years of dedicated service at the credit union. Additionally, Michelle Anderson has been hired as Oregon State Credit Union’s first-ever Chief Lending Officer and Liz Martin will join the credit union as its first Chief Growth Officer.

CEO and President Gary Schuette II shares, "We are on a journey to be better for our members, our team and our community. That requires building a culture of learning and setting your sights high. Bold goals require bold action. These hiring decisions are just thatour new executives add boldly to our culture and capabilities. We are building a team with equal parts compassion and competitiveness. I am beyond excited for the future of Oregon State Credit Union because of the team we have!"

Willamette Valley Vineyard adding new leaders and elevating existing leaders.

Rebecca Geschwender Promoted to National Sales Director

DJ MacIntyre Promoted to Wine & Culinary Director

Tyler Voorhies as National Chain Accounts Manager

Liz Martin CGO
Jim Gibson COO
Michelle Anderson CLO

Ribbon Cuttings

The Albany Area Chamber hosts many programs and events where business and community leaders come together. In a world where everything is moving fast we wanted to give you some quick tips on how to build your connections.

Yes, networking can help you land jobs and gain access to new opportunities. But it can also be about making genuine connections, sharing knowledge, and giving back to others. It just depends on what you want and how you approach it.

If you’re feeling confused, anxious, or unsure about what networking really is, why it matters, and how to get started, here are some pieces of advice to help you move forward in a way that feels right for you.

Prepare an elevator pitch: Have a concise, rehearsed introduction about yourself and your interests.

Be authentic: Be yourself and open about your goals and interests.

Ask thoughtful questions: Ask questions to learn about the other person's hopes, desires, and wants.

Listen actively: Let the other person talk and show that you're engaged. Follow up: Stay in touch with people to maintain and nurture relationships.

Be consistent: Networking is about building relationships over time, so don't just attend one event.

Use social media: Take advantage of social media platforms to connect with people. Make a plan: Have a strategy before reaching out to people.

Be patient: Be persistent but not pushy.

Be helpful: Focus on how you can help the other person.

While networking may feel challenging at first, know that it’s a skill you can learn (and hone) over time. All you need is a little practice. Use networking as an opportunity to learn about yourself, help others, and build deeper, more genuine connections with people who can expand your worldview. Now, go get started.

Best

Albany Area Habitat for Humanity

Albany Grocery Outlet

Albany Stoves, Inc.

Barb's Property Management

Best Heating and Cooling

BlueSun Employment Services

Camille's Bistro

Citizens Bank

City of Albany

Culligan Water

Depot Cafe

Dick Running - Retired

Eastgate Veterinary Clinic

Every Child Linn Benton (ECLB)

First American Title

Inc.

Grant

Healthy

Izabela

K&D Engineering, Inc.

Knife River

Lile

Mari-Linn Farms

Marsh & McLennan Agency

Next Door Real Estate Group

Ophelia's Place

Phoenix

Sully's

TMI

Umpqua

Board Officers

Chair: Brent Stutzman (Stutzman Services)

Immediate Past Chair: Jennifer Stanaway (Samaritan Health Services)

Chair-Elect: Grant Cyrus (Target Distribution)

Senior Vice Chair: Jason Yutzie (Coastal)

Vice Chair: Jon Kloor (Consumers Power), Stacie Wyss Schoenborn (Central Willamette Credit Union)

Treasurer: Selina Marshall (Citizens Bank)

Board Members

Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Alex Patterson (Rhodes Warden Insurance), Brian Graffenberger (EA Chambers Farms, Inc.), Brian Oare (Oare & Associates Realty), Chris Hanson (ATI), Joel Kinman (Bravo Group), John Andersen (Boys & Girls Club of Albany), John Pascone (LEDG), Keith Kessler (Direct Flooring Center), Roger Nyquist (Lake Shore Lanes), Ryan McAlister (Gerding Builders), Sarah Knowles (SingerLewak LLP), Sarah Steen (Amerititle)

Committee & Task Force Chairs

Ambassadors: Janet Steele (President)

Golf Tournament: Dick Perdue (Retired)

Emerging Leaders: Jadyn Baskin (Program and Event Manager)

Governmental Affairs: Jon Kloor (Consumers Power)

Greeters Facilitators: Greg Bolton (Landmark Professional), Peggy Burris (Albany Public Schools Foundation), Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Dan Farrington (BBSI), Mr. G Nassar (G & Jenny Insurance), Leslee Mayers (CASA Linn County), Don McBride (SMI Property Management)

Women In Business: Janet Steele (President)

Youth Job Fair: Jadyn Baskin (Program and Event Manager) Chamber Staff

Janet Steele - President

Jadyn Baskin - Program and Event Manager

Erica Hogan - Office Manager

Membership Forum

Wednesday, February 26th, 11:30am - 1pm Linn County Fair & Expo $25.00/member $35.00/non-member

DSA

Albany’s Most Wanted Saturday, March 8th, 5:30pmAlbany Boys & Girls Club $85 per person

Membership Forum

Wednesday, March 19th, 11:30am - 1pm Linn County Fair & Expo $25.00/member $35.00/non-member

Women in Business

April 9th

Location: Comfort Suites - Albany $23.00/person

Golf Tournament June 6th More Details Coming Soon

February Fun Facts:

The name February comes from the Latin word “februum”, which means purification.

The odds of being born on the 29th of Feb. are 1 in 1,461.

This month is the only one that can go without a full moon.

February 2, 1848, the U.S. & Mexico signed the Treaty of

Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War.

February Greeters

Feb 6

Premiere Property Group - Melissa Schumacher

Location: 1530 SE 9th Ave Albany

Feb 13 BBSI

Location: Fitzpatrick -37949 Century Dr Albany

Feb 20 Marsh & McLennan Agency

Location: TBD

Feb 27 US Bank

Location: Calapooia Brewing 140 NE Hill St Albany

albanychamber.com

@AlbanyORChamber @albanyorchamber

The Chamber Network is published monthly by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. P.O. Box 548, Albany, OR 97321 541-926-1517 - info@albanychamber com

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