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JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 58, ISSUE #1

Albany Area Chamber

Network

Your Business and Community Advocate

January Membership Forum

Newsletter Highlights

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026

DSA Nomination Forms

11:30am

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Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA, FACOG

High School Scholarships

Western U Oregon College of Health

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Sciences President Register Here

Sponsored by:

Linn County Fair & Expo Center

Dr. Farias Eisner was appointed WesternU’s third president on March 1, 2022, at a transformational moment in health care in which opportunities abound for WesternU and its students. He brings a dedication to uniting and bonding with the communities of Pomona, California and Lebanon, Oregon. “We are a University dedicated to the health sciences and committed to research, science, and biotechnology. Our distinct colleges share a common dedication to a humanistic approach – putting the patient first – and fostering health with hands, heart, mind, and spirit. Our quest is to achieve transformative health for both people and animals, hence, to create a healthy society for present and future generations.” ~ President Farias-Eisner

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Albany Area Chamber of Commerce

2026 DSA BANQUET Nomination Deadline: January 16th, 2026

Distinguished Service Awards

Nomination Form Honor Your Fellow Albany Citizens!

The Albany Area Chamber encourages you to nominate a business, organization or individual that has shown dedication, exemplary service, and leadership to our community. When turning in your nomination form, please make sure that it is filled out completely, and provide a minimum of two letters of recommendation in addition to the nomination form. Once the nomination form is summited, Nominees will be contacted to collect additional information.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS Lifetime Achievement Award Outstanding career of community service. Candidates must be over 55 years of age.

Jim Linhart First Citizen

Emerging Leader Award

Outstanding service during the last Outstanding service during the last three years. Candidates must be three years. Candidates must be between 40 and 55 years of age. under 40 years of age.

Finalists and recipients will be honored based on the following criteria: Individuals participate actively on service projects and programs leading to civic improvement, human welfare, and/or environmental enhancement. The nominee must also have a positive impact on the social or economic climate of the community, and influence the community through their leadership.

BUSINESS/NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARDS Albany Area Chamber Member Businesses, Organizations, and Non-Profits are included in this category and may nominate themselves.

Large Business of the Year

Small Business of the Year

A Chamber member business or organization with over 25 employees.

A Chamber member business or organization with 25 employees or less.

Non-Profit of the Year A Chamber member that's a Non-Profit 501 (c) 3. Finalists and recipients will be honored based on the following criteria: Businesses have made a substantial contribution to the community for the last five years or longer. Business Excellence Achieved successful business practices, e.g. marketing, promotional activities, strong ethics. Promotes employee selfgrowth and development. Has demonstrated a high level of customer satisfaction, confidence, and service. Community Service - Has proven their interest in the welfare of the community through financial contributions, personal service or civic leadership.

Awards to be presented: March 14th, 2026 at The Boys & Girls Club of AlbanyPg. 3

Member News & Updates

The Albany Area Chamber awards up to four $1,500 scholarships to qualifying high school seniors from South Albany, West Albany, Albany Options and Santiam Christian High Schools. Applicants must be the child of, or under the guardianship of, an Albany Area Chamber member. Applications are available at the Chamber office, at the four High Schools, or you may download the application from albanychamber.com. Apply Here

This December, Hayden Homes, Simplicity by Hayden Homes, and First Story undertook a major philanthropic campaign across the Northwest in support of organizations fighting food insecurity. The campaign included gifts totaling $66,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Western Montana. In addition, a company-wide food drive totaled more than 2,500 pounds of non-perishable foods, which team members delivered to local food banks where they also contributed more than 60 hours of volunteer time.

Corvallis Tree Care Launches Educational Tree Care Resource Hub for Homeowners Corvallis Tree Care has announced the launch of its new Tree Care Resources hub, a comprehensive educational center designed to help homeowners make informed decisions about tree health, safety, and long-term property protection. Led by ISA-Certified Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) professionals, Corvallis

Tree Care developed the resource hub to address common questions

homeowners face — from identifying hazardous trees and understanding professional pruning practices to knowing when tree removal is necessary versus when preservation is the better option.

The resource center, available at https://www.corvallistreecare.com/tree-care-resources Pg. 4

GOLDEN TICKET WINNER:

SHANNA GRIMES PEAK CREDIT UNION Professional Background: I’ve been in the financial industry for more than three decades. I joined the credit union movement in February 1996 as a new accounts representative – and steadily grew into my current role as branch manager. I’ve built my career around customer service, employee development, and strengthening the financial well-being of the Albany community. Peak Credit Union (formed through the merger of Northwest Community Credit Union and Twin Credit Union in 2025) proudly serves 250,000+ members with 35 branches across Oregon and Washington. Peak’s legacy dates to 1938 and is rooted in teachers and wood products. Our foundation is built by people dedicated to building a brighter future – board by board and lesson by lesson. From everyday banking services to long-term planning, we provide the tools, guidance, and support to help our members and communities feel secure and empowered to achieve their dreams. At Peak, building community isn’t just a belief — it’s a promise. Biggest Issue Facing Albany: One of the biggest issues is the financial pressure created by rising living costs and economic uncertainty. Many families are navigating tighter budgets and are looking for guidance they can trust. This gives our credit union an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by offering personalized support, financial education, and services that help members stay confident and secure. You and your company’s community involvement: Our credit union has always been deeply rooted in community involvement. We support local organizations, events, and financial literacy. Our outreach efforts focus on building lasting relationships with partners who are dedicated to education, youth development, and community well-being. Through sponsorships, volunteerism, and shared initiatives, we are able to amplify our partners’ impacts – and continue living our mission of people helping people. Business Marketing Niche: Our marketing niche is centered on genuine, relationship-driven service. We differentiate ourselves by truly knowing our members, understanding their goals, and providing solutions tailored to their needs. Success in the credit union industry comes from building trust, being consistent, and showing members that we are here to support them at every step of their financial journeys.

Students of the‌

MONTH

Ezekiel Bittner

Aubree Bylund

Kyrah Gladney

Santiam Christian

South Albany

West Albany

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Every Child

Family Tree Relief Nursery

Mennonite Village

No Dinx

Rite Way Electric

Linn Expo Center

Willamette Valley Bank

One Peak Medical

Selectemp

Sequoia Infusion

Albany Aquatics

Albany Dwntwn Assoc

Thank you for playing along with Nick and Holly for the Chamber’s 2025 Elf on the Shelf Social Media Contest! LBCC

More Ink

Flowers & More

Xtreme Graphics

TNT Builders

FL Snyder & Son

Sully’s Stay & Play

Calapooia Brewing

Comfort Suites

Deluxe Brewing

The Vault

Sweetwaters

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Thank You to Our Reinvesting Members

Milestone Members

Aqua Pro Pump Service Boshart Trucking, Inc. Chilly's Custom Auto Works

Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific 35 Year

Civil West Engineering Services Inc. CNC Wood Cutters Oregon Consumers Power, Inc. Davis Glass, Inc. Eastgate Veterinary Clinic ENTEK International Family Tree Relief Nursery Keith Wealth Advisors Kittyhawk Pugh Seed Farm, Inc.

25 Years: Phoenix Inn & Suites

Rhodes-Warden Insurance

15 Years: SERVPRO of Linn & Benton County

Running, Dick SnoTemp Cold Storage Sully's Stay & Play Doggie Day Care

10 Years: Scott Freeburn Pat Eastman (Retired) 5 years: Eastgate Veterinary Clinic

Top Form Contracting US Bank Vivacity Spirits and Calapooia Brewing Western University of Health Sciences

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS KINDPRO 922 NW CIRCLE BLVD UNIT 160 #277 C O R VA L L I S O R 9 7 3 3 0 503-877-2010 WEBSITE TIMBER LINN CHIROPRACTIC AND WELLNESS CLINIC 2 2 1 6 9 T H AV E S E ALBANY OR 97322 541-967-8060 WEBSITE

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2025 - 2026 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Upcoming

Programs & Events Emerging Leaders January 7th, 11:30am- 1pm Comfort Suites, Albany

Board Officers Chair: Grant Cyrus (Target Distribution) Immediate Past Chair: Brent Stutzman (Stutzman Services) Chair-Elect: Jason Yutzie (Coastal)

Membership Forum Wednesday, January 28th, 11:30am - 1pm Linn County Fair & Expo $25.00/member $30.00/non-member

Senior Vice Chair: David Van Der Haeghen (NW Natural)

DSA March 14, 2026

Vice Chairs: Jennifer Stanaway (Samaritan Health Services), Jon Kloor (Consumers Power) Treasurer: Selina Marshall (Citizens Bank)

Golf Tournament Friday, June 5th, 8am Shotgun Start

Board Members

January Chamber Meetings

Abel Condrea (Edward Jones), Alex Patterson (Rhodes Warden Insurance), Brian Graffenberger (EA Chambers Farms, Inc.), Brian Oare (Oare & Associates Realty), Chris Hanson (ATI), Crystal Tyndall (Willamette Valley Bank), John Andersen (Boys

Executive Committee Meeting

Youth Leadership

Leadership Albany

Board of Directors

1/13

1/15

1/20

1/13

& Girls Club of Albany), John Pascone (LEDG), Keith Kessler (Direct Flooring Center), Roger Nyquist (Lake Shore Lanes), Ryan McAlister (Gerding Builders), Sarah Knowles (SingerLewak), Sarah Steen (Republic Services)

January Greeters Every Thursday, 8:15am

Committee & Task Force Chairs

Jan. 1

No Greeters New Year’s Holiday

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American Bookkeeping 3201 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany

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Albany Toyota & RV 1205 Price Rd SE, Albany

Jan. 22

YMCA 3201 Pacific Blvd SW, Albany

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Knife River Training Center 35973 Kennel Rd SE, Albany

Ambassadors: Carmelle Bielenberg (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 (Habitat for Humanity), Crystal Tyndall (Willamette Valley Bank), Tiffany Fallows (YMCA) Women In Business: Carmelle Bielenberg (President)

Stay

Connected

Chamber Staff Carmélle Bielenberg - President Jadyn Baskin - Program and Event Manager Erica Hogan - Office Manager

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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