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
Outstanding career of community service. Candidates must be over 55 years of age.
Outstanding service during the last three years. Candidates must be between 40 and 55 years of age.
Outstanding service during the last three years. Candidates must be 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.
OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Albany Area Chamber Member Businesses, Organizations, and Non-Profits are included in this category and may nominate themselves
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 ExcellenceAchieved 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.
Retirement Party
Honoring Janet Steele
Let’s celebrate, Tropical Style, a remarkable 30 year career and a future filled with new adventures. Open House with speakers at 5:30pm Friday pm - 7pm 21 November 2025
Upstairs @ The Natty Dresser
124 Broadalbin St SW, Albany, OR 97321
RSVP by Nov. 14 to: th 541-926-1517 or scan the QR Code
Vote Yes For the Linn County Law Enforcement Levy
The Albany Area Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee has voted to support the Linn County Law Enforcement Levy, a critical four-year operating levy that ensures continued funding for essential public safety services throughout our county.
Since 1982, this levy has provided consistent, reliable support for the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Juvenile Department. These departments have a proven track record of responsible stewardship of public funds, delivering vital services that help keep our communities safe.
What the Levy Does:
Maintains 24-hour patrol coverage across the county
Supports criminal investigations and emergency response
Enables the prosecution of criminals through the DA’s office
Funds youth intervention programs through the Juvenile Department
The proposed rate of $3.08 per $1,000 of assessed property value (not real market value) will preserve current service levels This levy accounts for:
76% of the Sheriff’s Department budget
10% of the District Attorney’s Office
14% of the Juvenile Department
Additional funding comes from Linn County’s general fund, grants, fees, and contract work
The county continues to seek efficiencies and cost-saving innovations while maintaining critical public safety services
Why It Matters to Albany Residents:
Even when you step outside Albany city limits, you rely on the services this levy supports
We urge our members and residents to vote YES on the Linn County Law Enforcement Levy this November. Let’s keep our communities safe, together
Election Day: Tuesday, November 4th
Sponsored by:
Wednesday, December 3rd, 11:30am
Eric Olsen Agility Robotics
Eric Olsen is the Director of Customer Success at Agility Robotics, where over the last 4 years he has been leading in customer partnerships, and account management supporting deployment programs with some of the world’s largest companies He brings firsthand insight into how humanoid robotics are moving from research to real-world operations.
Eric is also a retired US Navy Command Master Chief. His primary career was in the Intelligence Community, Special Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare. However, he is a very, very peacefully minded though and I don't want my service to distract from the intent and focus here. It is just where he discovered his interest in robotics
Wine Women & Chocolate
Anne Bierwirth, Owner of Be You Personal Color Analysis
December 10th 4:30pm-6pm
Comfort Suites, Albany
Anne Bierwirth, started ‘Be You Personal Color Analysis’ over five years ago after experiencing for herself the profound and far-reaching benefits of having a personal color analysis performed by a Sci-ART-trained professional. She was trained by Christine Scaman of 12 Blueprints and certified in the Sci-ART method.
Anne provides personal color analysis to women and men in my studio, located in the historic district of. Her wish is to bring to everyone the confidence, energy, and joy that come from knowing their own intrinsic colors and complementing them beautifully with what they wear.
Professional Background: Chris Storm brings a deep passion for animal welfare and more than 20 nyears of nonprofit leadership to her role as Executive Director at SafeHaven Humane Society. With a background in organizational development and a strong focus on community-driven impact, Chris has guided SafeHaven through a period of growth, strategic transformation, and expanded outreach Her leadership is defined by compassion, integrity, and a relentless commitment to improving the lives of animals and the people who love them.
You and your company’s community involvement: Under Chris’s leadership, SafeHaven Humane Society has deepened its roots in the community through a variety of programs, including low-cost vaccine clinics, pet food banks, humane education for local schools, and partnerships with local shelters and rescue groups Chris is also actively engaged with local civic groups and nonprofits, working to ensure SafeHaven is not just a shelter, but a community resource and trusted partner.
Biggest Issue Facing Albany: Chris believes one of the most pressing challenges facing Albany is the growing need for accessible social services for both people and animals. As housing and economic pressures rise, many families struggle to care for their pets, and Chris sees this as a critical area where collaboration across sectors can make a lasting difference. She advocates for solutions that strengthen the safety net, build community resilience, and keep families including their four-legged members together
Business Marketing Niche: Chris emphasizes the power of authentic storytelling and mission-driven branding "People connect with purpose," she says "Whether you're placing an animal in a forever home or promoting a service, the key is to communicate the heart behind what you do." She encourages businesses to stay true to their values, leverage partnerships, and consistently show up for their community because trust and connection are the foundation of sustainable success.
This past October at the Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs, CO the Airport Executive of the Year Award was presented to Andrew Martz, A.A.E., the Assistant Airport Director for the Eugene Airport.
Congratulations Andrew!
Alana Spencer Santiam Christian
Karina Ruiz Raymundo South Albany
Julia Berg West Albany
A&B Northwest Construction LLC
AK Carpet & More
Albany Civic Theater
Albany Visitors Association
Andy's Auto Detailing and Ceramic Coatings BBSI
Boehme & Running CPAs, LLC
Cascade Pacific Pulp
Direct Flooring Center
DLF USA Inc
Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction
Hasty Freez, Inc
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Albany
Laser Therapy of Oregon
Linn County Expo Center
No Baloney Subs & Salads
Post Law Firm, PC
Professional Security Alarm
Queen B Organizing
Talent Cyber Security
TrueLife Financial Solutions, LLC
Vault 244
Whitaker's
Board Officers
Chair: Grant Cyrus (Target Distribution)
Immediate Past Chair: Brent Stutzman (Stutzman Services)
Chair-Elect: Jason Yutzie (Coastal)
Senior Vice Chair: David Van Der Haeghen (NW Natural)
Vice Chairs: Jennifer Stanaway (Samaritan Health Services), Jon Kloor (Consumers Power)
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), Crystal Tyndall (Willamette Valley Bank), 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), Sarah Steen (AM | FM Luxury + Adventure Travel )
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 (Habitat for Humanity), Crystal Tyndall (Willamette Valley Bank), Tiffany Fallows (YMCA)
Women In Business: Janet Steele (President)
Janet Steele - President
Chamber Staff
Jadyn Baskin - Program and Event Manager
Erica Hogan - Office Manager
Upcoming Programs & Events
Membership Forum
Eric Olsen, Agility Robotics
Wednesday, December 3rd, 11:30am - 1pm
Linn County Fair & Expo $25.00/member $30.00/non-member
Wine, Women & Chocolate
Anne Bierwirth, Color Analysis
Wednesday, December 10 , 4:30pm - 6pm th
Comfort Suites, 100 Opal Ct NE, Albany $25/member $36/non-member
Membership Forum
Robin Farias-Eisner, Western University Expansion
Wednesday, January 28th, 11:30am - 1pm
Linn County Fair & Expo $24.00/member $35.00/non-member
Distinguished Service Awards
Save the Date! More Info to Come March 14 , 2026 th
