the salem chamber’s magazine
Awards Season in
Recognizing Excellence in Servant Leadership, Education & Business
The First 30 Minutes of a Leader’s Week
by Tom Hoffert, Chief Executive Officer
The first 30 minutes of a leader’s week rarely feel important. It is often spent clearing inboxes, skimming calendars, or rushing into the first meeting. Yet this short window quietly determines how the rest of the week unfolds. Leaders who begin reactively tend to spend their days responding to noise. Leaders who begin intentionally shape outcomes before distractions take over.
This is not about productivity hacks or squeezing more tasks into the day. It is about leadership posture. The opening moments of the week signal what you value, how you make decisions, and where you will spend your energy. When leaders fail to define these things early, everything else does it for them.
Strong leaders use the first 30 minutes to step above the week instead of into it. They do not start by asking, “What is urgent?” They start by asking, “What actually matters?” That shift alone changes how time, attention, and authority are deployed across the organization.
The most effective approach begins with clarity. Leaders review the week ahead, not to admire a full calendar, but to identify the one or two outcomes that would make the week successful if achieved. These outcomes are not tasks. They are results. A decision that must be made. A conversation that cannot be delayed. A strategic issue that deserves uninterrupted thinking. By naming these outcomes early, leaders create a filter for everything else that follows.
Next comes alignment. The first 30 minutes are an ideal time to scan where leadership attention might drift away from strategy. Are meetings reinforcing priorities or simply preserving habits? Are leaders solving problems that should be owned by their teams? This is the moment to adjust. Cancel what no longer
serves the mission. Delegate what others can own. Protect time for work that only you can do.
Equally important is reflection. High-performing leaders use this time to briefly look backward before charging forward. What decisions from last week created momentum? What signals from customers, employees, or partners deserve follow-up? Reflection prevents leaders from repeating avoidable mistakes and reinforces what is working. It turns experience into insight rather than just activity.
Finally, intentional leaders set their tone. They decide how they will show up before stress makes that decision for them. Calm or rushed. Curious or defensive. Available or distracted. This is not abstract mindset work. It directly affects how teams experience leadership throughout the week. Employees take cues quickly, and tone travels faster than strategy.
None of this requires more time. It requires a different use of the time leaders already have. Thirty focused minutes at the start of the week can reduce hours of rework, misalignment, and unnecessary meetings later. Over time, this simple ritual builds trust. Teams see a leader who is clear, consistent, and purposeful.
Leadership is not defined by how full your calendar is. It is defined by how deliberately you use your influence. The first 30 minutes of the week are where that influence quietly begins.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Leaders who own the first 30 minutes of their week are far more likely to own the outcomes that follow. Intentional beginnings create disciplined weeks, better decisions, and organizations that move with clarity instead of urgency. Our team members are counting on us — leaders deliver. 503.
TERTIARY LOGO
Above
75th Annual First Citizen Awards - Dan and Laura Dorn accept the First Citizen award. (photo by Dee Ann Deaton of OnBrand Photography) Cover (Clockwise from Top): Pioneer Trust Bank is named the 2026 Business of the Year, 75th Annual First Citizen Awards recipients with Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert (photo by Dee Ann Deaton of OnBrand Photography), and Stephens Middle School Principal Ricardo Larios wins a 2026 Crystal Apple.
Mabry
Steve Beckner
Welcome Newest Chamber Members
Abiqua Media Co.
Ascent Racing
Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices Real Estate
Professionals - Kim Leighty
Bloodworks NW
Celtic Landscaping
Chemeketa LLC
Chira’s Auto Group
Coral Heights Apartments
Country Financial - Connor Agency
Country Financial - Paul Maghiari Agency
Courtney Place Veterans Housing
Crunch Fitness
Deer Creek Crossing
Dennee Consulting
Discovery Academy
DoneRite Automotive LLC
Eastpark Apartment Homes
Educational Programs
Impacting Communities
EquipmentShare
Exitus: Salem Escape Rooms
Fresh Take Creative
Frontier IT Security
Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette
Gordon Driving School
GridZone
Groundwork Leadership
Homemasters
HOPE 107.9
Hope Pregnancy Clinic
Innova NW
Interstate Pest Management
March 5, 2026 – May 22, 2026
IREM Oregon-Columbia River
Chapter 29
Kate Woods Executive Solutions
Kueny Law LLC
Leak Locaters
Lenity Architecture
Marion County Sheriff Office
Foundation (MCSOF)
MJ Media Productions
Mountain View Plumbing LLC
N-L Bright LLC
North Star Premier
Bookkeeping
Northplace Apartment Homes
Pacific Scaffold and Supply
Point of Order Consulting
Raw Blendz
Righteous Roast LLC
River Vann Interiors
Signature Healthcare at Home
Salem
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Sovereign Functional Health
Spencer Todd, Attorney at Law
Springhill Suites by Marriott
Studio Good Architects
Synchronicity Workflow Solutions
Take5 Oil Change
The Forge
The Gatti Law Firm
Urban Air Salem
Verizon Business
Vote Anna Munson
Willamette Career Academy
Interested in joining the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce?
Jennifer Valdez
Jeff Kennard
Partner Kevin Gienger
In Review & Reflection: My Year Serving
as the Salem Chamber’s Board
President
As my term as President of the Salem Chamber Board of Directors comes to a close, I must say that serving in this role has been a humbling and honoring experience.
Every year, our Chamber and community face challenges — and hopefully, emerge from those challenges with a lot of victories. As a small business owner, I try to achieve the goals I have set, but also keep an eye on the external factors that may arise. Sometimes, I need to pivot and adjust. This year has certainly provided times in which we needed to pivot, but we also made the decision to stay on course. So how did the Chamber do with the goals we set out to achieve, in terms of growing membership, events and influence through public policy?
Chamber Membership – We desire to grow our membership and our role in this community. At the start of last fiscal year, our targeted goal was 5% membership growth. I am happy to report that we are now looking to finish this fiscal year with over 7% growth. This is exciting as we see solid growth in a difficult year for businesses. Exceeding this goal also tells us that the business community is seeing the Salem Chamber as a strong economic advocate.
Chamber Events – We conduct over 115 events throughout the year. This year, the Chamber staff team had a focus on quality speakers and topics to drive attendance and sponsorships. The monthly Forum Speaker Series luncheons and weekly Greeters meetings saw record attendance. Chamber Business Women reached maximum capacity each month, and even our 7:00AM Business Advocacy meetings drew 40-50 Chamber members every single month. Our members are showing up and engaging in a
by Ted Ferry, State Farm Insurance
noticeable and meaningful way, which we couldn’t be more thankful for.
Chamber Public Policy – Economic and Business Advocacy have been strong focuses this year. With a very diverse membership, we continue to promote and demonstrate that a strong business environment is vital in creating a thriving community. We have not shied away from taking on Cherriots’ Payroll Tax push, fighting against punishing legislation brought forward during Oregon’s Legislative Short Session, and shielding our members from other anti-business attacks.
This year, we also made a concerted effort to bring our community’s most pressing issues and conversations directly to our members, as our Forum Speaker Series featured two key debates for local public offices and three of our state’s top economic minds and leaders. With our proximity to the State Capitol, where impactful decisions are made, our Chamber is in a unique and advantageous position to share our voice while placing our local businesses at the discussion table. Thanks to our leadership, our staff team, and our dedicated members, we are proud of our ability to do just that concerning the issues that affect our small businesses the most.
This fiscal year has been busy. Next year looks to be filled with even more unique challenges and opportunities to promote business here in the Salem area. That should galvanize us as a business community to take the lead on Economic Development and Business Advocacy. By partnering with one another, we can not only take on the next set of challenges but claim new victories that we can celebrate together as a community 503.
by Angela Williams, Huggins/Bliss Sequoia Insurance
Serving as Board President of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is both an incredible honor and responsibility I am proud to embrace. For the past 26 years, my family has proudly called the Salem-Keizer area home. My husband and I have had the privilege of raising our three children here, building lasting friendships, and becoming part of a community that has given us so much. Living and working in this region has deepened my appreciation for the people, businesses, and organizations that make Salem such a special place. It has also reinforced my belief that when we invest in and support one another, our entire community grows stronger.
For those I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, I currently serve as the Development Director at Huggins/Bliss Sequoia Insurance , where I have the privilege of working with businesses and community leaders throughout our region. My professional passion has always centered on building relationships, supporting local organizations, and helping create opportunities for growth. These values align closely with the mission of the Salem Chamber.
As I begin my term as Board President (20262027), I am reminded that chambers are about much more than business. They are about business because they are about people. They create opportunities for entrepreneurs, support employers, develop future leaders,
Beginning My Term as Chamber Board President
and strengthen the connections that make our communities thrive. When local businesses succeed, our entire region benefits. Strong businesses create jobs, support families, contribute to local nonprofits, and help shape the quality of life we all enjoy. The Salem Chamber plays a vital role in advocating for a healthy business climate, fostering meaningful relationships, and providing resources that help organizations of all sizes succeed.
As Board President, I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our members and community leaders as we navigate opportunities and challenges together. My goal is to help ensure the Salem Chamber remains a trusted voice for business, a catalyst for economic vitality, and a place where meaningful connections are made.
Thank you for your investment in our community and for the role you play in making Salem a wonderful place to live, work, play, and do business. I look forward to meeting many more of you throughout this coming year and working alongside you to build an even stronger, more connected business community. Together, we can continue creating opportunities that strengthen our businesses, enrich our community, and shape an even brighter future for the Salem area. 503.
Your Chamber
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President ANGELA WILLIAMS
Huggins Insurance Services, Inc.
Past President
TED FERRY
State Farm Insurance
President-Elect
BRANDON BLAIR
Summit Wealth Management
Vice President –Advocacy
RICH DUNCAN
Rich Duncan Construction
STAFF
TOM HOFFERT
Chief Executive Officer
JACKIE
ELLERBROCK
Operations Director
Vice President –Events & Programming
TREVA GAMBS
Gamberetti’s Italian Restaurant
Vice President –Membership
JIM SPARKMAN HomeSmart Realty Group
Treasurer
RYAN DEMPSTER Willamette Valley Bank
Secretary
ALAN SOREM Saalfeld Griggs PC
BOARD MEMBERS
TAMMY DENNEE
Dennee Consulting
JEFF DUNN Lineage
ANNEMARIE
DUFAULT
Anthem Strategists
PAM FAHNDRICH
WhirLocal Salem
ALEX FERRY
State Farm Insurance
SCOTT FRIEDMAN
GT Landscape Solutions
JOSE GONZALEZ Tu Casa Real Estate
TODD GRANETO
SAIF
DAN JOHNSON
Marketing & Communications Manager
JACKIE ROCHÉ Membership Manager
Member Services
EVA PORRAS Membership Engagement Coordinator
CHRIS THOMPSON Workforce Development Specialist
Ribbon Cutting at Petra Technologies.
RIBBON CUTTING REQUEST FORM
Let’s celebrate! Ribbon Cuttings are a complimentary service the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provides to members at the Connector level and above that have just started a new business, have moved to a new location, or recently undergone a remodel. As the business owner, you have the option of making this event as simple or as elaborate as you wish.
Be sure to fill out a request form at salemchamber.org/ ribboncuttingform to book your date now!
ROGER HOY
Geppetto’s Italian Restaurant
DARYL KNOX
Aldrich CPAs + Advisors
KATYA MENDEZ
Northwestern Mutual
DR. SALAM NOOR
Mountain West Center for Community Excellence
GABBY NORTHROP Three Pines Wealth Advisors
BILL RIECKE Bark Boys, Inc.
QUANDRAY
ROBERTSON
Q’s Corner Barbershop
ZAK STONE
Zak Stone Photography
JIM VU Core Solutions Consulting
JAMESON GIDEON Director of Business Advocacy
KELLI GASSMAN McLaran Leadership Foundation Program Director
JUDY FISHER
KIRSTIE RUDICH CTEC Business Liaisons
HOSTING A GREETERS
Greeters is the largest and most active business networking opportunity in the Salem area. Greeters is available to all Salem Area Chamber of Commerce members (and their employees). Applications are due a week from booking your date. Requests are taken on a first-come basis. Members will be put on a wait list once the calendar year is full. Members can host Greeters once in a calendar year. salemchamber.org/host-greeters-application
Greeters hosted by the Salem Fire Foundation.
Cycle Country
Powering Adventures Across the Pacific Northwest Since 1976
For five decades this year, Cycle Country has been more than just a powersports dealership — it has been where adventures begin. Locally family-owned and proudly serving Salem since 1976, Cycle Country has helped generations of riders discover the freedom of the open road, the thrill of winding mountain trails, and the excitement of exploring the Pacific Northwest on two wheels, four wheels, and everything in between.
From Salem to Portland, Eugene, Bend, Corvallis, and beyond, riders travel to Cycle Country for more than just motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, and accessories. They come for knowledgeable guidance, genuine customer service, and a team that shares their passion for riding. Whether you're purchasing your very first machine, upgrading to your dream ride, or simply stopping in to see what's new, you'll find people who love the lifestyle as much as you do.
A Legacy Built on Passion and Service
Since opening its doors in 1976, Cycle Country has earned a reputation for integrity, expertise, and putting customers first. What began as a local dealership has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest's premier powersports destinations, built on lasting relationships and a commitment to helping every customer find the right machine for their next adventure.
The dealership carries an impressive selection of motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, scooters, and youth models from many of the industry's leading manufacturers. Beyond the showroom, visitors will find a welcoming atmosphere, experienced staff who genuinely enjoy helping people, and a place where newcomers and lifelong riders alike feel at home.
Today, Cycle Country proudly operates from its location at 4764 Portland Road NE in Salem, making it an easy destination for riders throughout Oregon. Whether you're looking to browse the latest models, compare options, pick up riding gear, or simply talk motorcycles with fellow enthusiasts, there's always something worth stopping in to see.
More Than a Dealership — A Community Partner
For Cycle Country, success isn't measured solely by the vehicles that leave the showroom — it's measured by the relationships built within the community. Giving back has always been part of who the business is.
Each year, Cycle Country is proud to partner with the Salem Police Department's Toys for Tots program, helping bring joy to local children and families during the holiday season. The company also works alongside the Make-A-Wish Foundation,
create unforgettable moments for children facing critical illnesses by supporting experiences that inspire hope, adventure, and lifelong memories.
Whether it's participating in local events, supporting charitable organizations, or simply welcoming the next generation of riders into the showroom, Cycle Country believes every opportunity to serve the community helps strengthen it.
After all, motorcycles and off-road vehicles create more than excitement — they create family traditions, lifelong friendships, and memories that last a lifetime. Cycle Country is honored to play a small part in those stories.
Award-Winning Service and Technical Expertise
A powersports dealership is only as strong as the support it provides after the sale, and Cycle Country has long been recognized for excellence in this area.
Reasons to Reach Out to Cycle Country:
• Honda Power Equipment products
• Segway® Powersports and SUR-RON inventory
• Financing assistance and trade-in options
• Comprehensive parts and accessories department
• Professional service and maintenance support
• Vehicle customization and upgrade expertise
• Experienced powersports enthusiasts on staff
• Serving riders throughout Salem, Portland, Eugene, Bend, and Corvallis
helping
The dealership's service department is staffed by highly trained technicians who specialize in maintaining and repairing Honda, Polaris®, Suzuki, Indian Motorcycle®, and Sur-Ron vehicles. Its goal is simple: keep customers riding safely and confidently for years to come.
Cycle Country’s commitment to customer satisfaction has earned notable recognition throughout the industry. The dealership received Suzuki’s prestigious Super Service Award, an honor awarded only to dealerships that achieve exceptional customer satisfaction and service performance. According to the dealership, Cycle Country earned this distinction for nine consecutive years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to quality and professionalism. Cycle Country also has not one but two Honda Red Level technicians, the only such certified level technicians in the entire state. From routine maintenance and repairs to performance upgrades and customization projects, the service team works to ensure every vehicle performs at its best.
A Wide Selection of Leading Powersports Brands
Cycle Country proudly represents many of the most respected names in powersports, offering motorcycles, ATVs, side-bysides, and more from manufacturers riders know and trust. Its commitment to carrying quality products — combined with knowledgeable staff and outstanding customer support — has made Cycle Country a destination for enthusiasts across the region.
Whether you're an experienced rider or simply curious about the powersports lifestyle, Cycle Country invites you to stop by, explore the showroom, and experience firsthand why so many riders have made Cycle Country their dealership for the past 50 years. Your next adventure might begin with a single visit. Visit cyclecountry.net to see inventory, services, and more information. 503.
ACME Café
In the world of hospitality, some of the most inspiring stories begin with a dream that takes years to bring to life. ACME Café is one such story — a restaurant built on experience, perseverance, and vision. The name itself, Acme, meaning “the highest point,” “summit,” or “peak,” reflects the culmination of the journey its founders, Jeff James and Cecilia Ritter-James, embarked on after dreaming of a neighborhood restaurant focusing on family recipes and American classics.
In 2013, the couple realized that dream by opening ACME Café in a vintage restored gas station at 110 Hansen Avenue in South Salem. After years in the restaurant industry, navigating the challenges and successes of operating multiple establishments (including The Wild Pear and J. James), ACME Café represented a chance to go back to the basics with a casual environment and diner favorites made from local and fresh ingredients, without any fuss, fluff, or fancy accoutrements.
In 2020, Jeff and Cecilia sold ACME to regular patrons Jesse Voegtle and his father, Tom Voegtle, with Jesse — who brought a decade of experience in the coffee industry —- taking over as general manager. Having supported the previous owners and having loved the menu and the neighborhood vibe, they sought to keep much of what made the restaurant appealing to them and its regular customers, while bringing their own flavors and experiences to make ACME Café what it is today.
A Commitment to Classic American Cuisine
At the heart of ACME Café is a simple but powerful mission: to serve well-crafted, made-from-scratch
Reasons to Reach Out to ACME Café:
• Made-from-scratch American cuisine
• Classic dishes inspired by the regions of America
• A welcoming neighborhood restaurant atmosphere
• Owners who care deeply about the community and providing good service
• A community-focused gathering place for friends and families
versions of classic American cuisine inspired by the diverse regions of the United States. Rather than chasing trends, the restaurant focuses on quality local ingredients, authenticity, and the comfort that comes from familiar dishes prepared with care.
From classic chicken and waffles to country fried steak, benedicts, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches, ACME Café has plenty of options to feed your body and your soul. With regional specialties, including the Loco Moco (Hawaii), the ACME Philly Cheesesteak, and
the Southwest Chicken Bowl, ACME seeks to make its guests feel at home, no matter which part of the country they are from.
A Neighborhood Gathering Place
Community is woven into the identity of ACME Café, where family and connections are perhaps even more important than the delicious menu offerings. Restaurants often serve as gathering places where memories are made, conversations are shared, and connections are strengthened. ACME Café embraces that role by providing an environment where guests can feel comfortable and relaxed, slow down, stay awhile, and enjoy a genuine neighborhood dining experience. Whether stopping in for breakfast, a casual lunch, or a weekend meal with family and friends, visitors are welcomed into a space with a friendly staff and owners who take pride in hospitality.
Through made-from-scratch cooking, a commitment to classic American cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere, ACME Café continues to create memorable experiences for its guests. For those seeking a restaurant built on authenticity, experience, and a genuine love of hospitality in Salem, ACME Café offers a dining experience worth
Cascade Foot Center. Photos by Zak Stone Photography.
Saffron Supply Company
Plumbing Supply, But Cooler
By Joe Repasky, Manager of Saffron Supply Co.
I’m no journalist, so bear with me. I’m just some dude who’s fortunate enough to be wrapped up in one of Salem’s oldest businesses and the coolest plumbing supplier around. A few years back, we were your spot for a little bit of everything, but you know what they say — “jack of all trades, master of none.” We couldn’t compete with everyone on everything, so we chose what we were truly good at — water.
From our 50,000-plussquare-foot location at 1450 Front Street NE, we’ve continually evolved and expanded how we’re able to serve our community. By applying focus and flair, we’ve helped contractors and homeowners save double-digit percentages across all jobs, scaling from a single bathroom remodel up to multi-hundred-unit apartment complexes and housing subdivisions. That focus allowed us to develop the next step of Saffron: opening a Decorative Plumbing Showroom
But who the heck is Saffron Supply?
Saffron Supply hosts ribbon-cutting to celebrate the grand opening of its Decorative Plumbing Showroom.
Our 116-year-old story (as of 2026) starts with Isaac Saffron, who opened the People’s Junk Company in 1910. After his service in World War II, Morris Saffron joined the business and shaped the next several decades of Saffron.
“Businesses who survive know their community and adapt to their needs.”Morris Saffron
In 1950, Morris’ brother-in-law, Daniel Gassner, joined the family business,
What we do best:
• All plumbing supplies from the meter to your faucet
• Both residential and commercial offerings
• Everything for your kitchen and bath, from apartment grade to “oh dang, that’s fancy”
followed by Daniel’s son, Rick Gassner in 1971. Rick worked for the company for nearly 50 years, keeping the standards of Saffron Supply high and the reputation intact. He’s also just a stellar person and comes to check on us every few weeks.
The Gassner family sold the business to current co-owners, Adam Stout and Randy Snow, in 2020. You remember 2020, right? Adam and Randy took the keys to the building about two weeks before … you know, the thing. Having
• The most competitive pricing on pipe and fittings, both plastics and metal
• Water heaters with the best pricing on the market and double the warranty of most
• Next-day shipping options
• Designer’s Choice materials from our Decorative Plumbing Showroom
to adapt to being new business owners while simultaneously not being able to open the doors was a trial by fire. Then, dumping a bucket of gasoline onto that bonfire, Saffron was forced to relocate in 2021 from the historic 325 Commercial Street location.
Despite it all, Saffron remains. On June 26, we opened the aforementioned “next step” of Saffron: our Decorative Plumbing Showroom designed to make your dream kitchen and bathroom a reality. From the modern and sleek designs of digital controls and sharp faucets to the traditional farmhouse-style remodels, we’re breathing life into all homes across the valley as the only locally owned plumbing showroom in town.
What can Saffron do for you?
If it touches water, that’s our game. We partner with vendors that support their product and offer the best warranties at a better price. We negotiate deals that directly benefit both our customers and the community by keeping all construction costs down. Saffron was one of the first companies in the state to offer a price decrease in materials in 2022 to curb the cost spike in new homes. We’ve been community-focused on housing and engaged with every step
of construction, from Waterworks to fixtures, with that goal in mind.
A fixture in fixtures
We've been in Salem for a century by the grace of this wonderful town. We’re invested spiritually, financially, and ethically into making sure that when you’re doing business, it’s local and smart. The last century has taught us a lot, and for the next 100 years, it’s our goal to make Salem a
cost-affordable place to live where the feeling of needing to call a contractor doesn’t spark dread.
When you’re doing any kind of work in the world of water, think of us. Remind your plumber and contractor that Saffron is exactly what they need, and using us directly benefits this city.
Because there’s nothing more Salem than Saffron. 503.
AWARDS SEASON IN SALEM
3 Signature Annual Events
Recognize Excellence in Servant Leadership, Education & Business
In April, May, and June, the Salem community celebrated the 75th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet, the 27th Crystal Apple Awards, and the 2026 Business of the Year Awards, respectively, shining a spotlight on the leaders and organizations making Salem a better place to live, work, and play.
Many industries (entertainment, advertising, fashion, travel) have well-known and established award seasons recognizing individuals and companies for their industry-specific achievements each year. Most often, these anticipated awards seasons are times for reflection and industry growth as much as they are for celebration.
Thanks to incredible community partnerships — between Salem Chamber member businesses, sponsors, volunteer leaders, regional organizations, and Salem-Keizer Public Schools — the Salem community has developed its own awards season in recent years, with the return of the Salem Chamber’s Business of the Year Awards (brought back in 2022). Now, from late spring to early summer each year, the Salem community, its businesses, and residents have even more reasons to come together in celebration as we honor servant leadership that supports our community while also looking back at our collective accomplishments.
Salem’s awards season is about more than prestigious individual accolades and recognition. These events remind us what excellence looks like and what we can achieve, as a community, when we work together toward common goals. The Salem Chamber is proud to have helped present these three signature awards events again this year, which continue our tradition of recognizing those going above and beyond to uplift others and make Salem an even better place tomorrow than it was today.
75th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet
April 18, 2026
In its milestone 75th year, the First Citizen Awards Banquet, presented by the Mountain West Center for Community Excellence and Pioneer Trust Bank, drew nearly 600 members of the Salem community to the Salem Convention Center for our tradition of celebrating servant leadership in the state’s capital city.
Featuring a charismatic emcee in Barry Nelson (Capital Financial Planners), live music performed by the Manny continued next page
75th Annual First Citizen Awards - Dan and Laura Dorn accept the First Citizen award on stage.
Photo by Dee Ann Deaton of OnBrand Photography
AWARDS
Martinez Jazz Quartet, video presentations of honoree surprises, and the energy and support of new and returning sponsors, the event recognized six leaders for their service work and community engagement efforts, spanning decades of giving back to Salem.
Local State Farm Insurance Agent and incoming McLaran Leadership Foundation Board President, Alex Ferry, was named the 2026 Outstanding Young Professional for his business excellence, consistent engagement in community partnerships, and his countless hours of volunteer service to local organizations, including the Salem Chamber.
Tony Fraizer received the inaugural Nonprofit Leadership Award for his decades-long career in nonprofit work, including his leadership of the Salvation Army Kroc Center Throughout his career, Tony has helped create numerous programs and cultivated resources focused on youth and
workforce development, education access, and community connections.
This year’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, Carlee Wright, was recognized for her years of work in advocating for and promoting Salem’s arts and culture scene — as the Marketing Director for the Elsinore Theatre, a volunteer for the City of Salem, and as the founder and driver of the local and popular publication, Press Play Salem
Local developer, philanthropist, community benefactor, and Mountain West Center for Community Excellence Founder, Larry Tokarski, received the prestigious Legacy of Leadership Award (given every five years). Larry was recognized for his career of service work in Salem and the surrounding communities, including philanthropic engagement and project leadership with nearly every nonprofit in the region over several decades.
The special night culminated with the 75th presentation of Salem’s highest honor, recognition as First Citizen, which was bestowed upon the dynamic servantleader power couple, Laura and Dan Dorn
While being distinguished business professionals in Salem for years (Laura as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Dan as the founder of Sunco Homes & Remodeling), the Dorns were recognized for their decades of leadership and service with a multitude of organizations. In recent years, the couple’s greatest contributions have gone to the Advanced Construction Education (ACE) program at the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC), which helps prepare high school students for careers in the construction industry.
“The First Citizen is the embodiment of giving back to your community, and when you think across Salem-Keizer, who are people who have had an absolutely profound effect on so many different things?” said Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert in a tribute video to the Dorns. “Laura and Dan Dorn rise immediately to the top.”
Past Salem First Citizen Chane Griggs (2023) summed up the selection of the Dorns as First Citizen perfectly and succinctly, saying, “The Dorns are probably the best example of servant leadership in Salem, Oregon.”
continued on page 20
Dick Withnell accepts Legacy of Leadership Award on behalf of Larry Tokarski.
Alex Ferry accepting the Outstanding Young Professional award. Photos on this page by Dee Ann Deaton of OnBrand Photography.
Carlee Wright receives Distinguished Service Award.
AWARDS
27th Crystal Apple Awards
May 14, 2026
Hosted in partnership with the Salem-Keizer School District and the Chamber’s McLaran Leadership Foundation, the 27th Crystal Apple Awards brought together nearly 800 guests, including a record 108 nominees, at the Salem Convention Center for a lively red carpet reception and an evening celebrating excellence in local education.
Businesses for Community joined the Mountain West Center for Community Excellence as Presenting Sponsors for the event, which honored 12 educators and education professionals with coveted Crystal Apples.
2026 Crystal Apple Recipients:
Stephanie Lassetter, Teacher - McNary High School
Billy Niebla, Student Advocate - McKinney-Vento Program
Danny Ortiz, Teacher - North Salem High School
Amy Faiman, Teacher - Schirle Elementary School
Brandon Southward, Graduation Coach - Sprague High School
Toni Nanneman, Development Director - Blanchet Catholic School
Adam Banducci, Behavior Specialist - Roberts High School
Marcus Luther, Teacher - McNary High School
Sydney Chisholm, Special Program Instructional Assistant - Yoshikai Elementary School
Ricardo Larios, Principal - Stephens Middle School
Jessica Miller, Teacher - North Salem High School
César Bueno, Counselor - South Salem High School
Designed as an annual and much-deserved “thank you” to teachers, administrators, and support staff for their dedication and service to students, the event also featured free tickets for the 108 nominees and their plus-ones, music performed by the Crystal Apple Band, and a live broadcast via Capital Community Media for those not able to attend in person.
continued on page 22
Stephanie M. Palmblad Mayra A. Gonzalez Emily M. Palmer
Se Habla Español
AWARDS
Business of the Year
Awards & Annual All-Member Meeting
June 8, 2026
Since returning to the Salem Chamber’s calendar of annual events in 2022, the Business of the Year Awards has grown in attendance each year, with the 2026 edition of the event eclipsing 400 attendees for the first time.
Presented by Willamette Valley Bank, the event also serves as the Chamber’s Annual All-Member Meeting, representing the final major event of the Chamber’s fiscal year. As with past years, the meeting this June included time to recognize the Chamber’s volunteer leaders, the graduating Leadership Salem cohort (2024-2026), and outgoing Board of Directors members.
The main program was reserved for the Business of the Year Awards, presented in six categories to Chamber member businesses and organizations that had demonstrated excellence in business and exceptional community engagement.
Celebrating its milestone 100th anniversary this year, the Elsinore Theatre was honored as the Nonprofit of the Year for its legacy of providing a historic Salem venue for worldclass entertainment acts, local artists, and more.
Willamette Legacy Law was named the New Business of the Year after achieving noticeable growth since opening its doors just two and a half years ago. In that short amount of time, Willamette Legacy Law has added staff and clients, many of whom spoke highly of the firm’s expertise, professionalism, culture, and community engagement efforts, including participation in Chamber Business Women
As the dedicated physical therapy provider to several of Salem’s professional sports teams and leagues (including Marion Berries Baseball, Mavericks League Baseball, and Salem Capitals Basketball), The Physical Therapy Project earned the title of Small Business of the Year. With a small but dedicated staff team and a unique, modern, and personalized approach to client care, The PT Project’s commitment to community involvement was also noted by award nominators, fellow Chamber members, and clients.
Recognized for its impressive products, company culture, and industry innovations, Garmin AT was named Manufacturer of the Year. Quietly shaping the future of the aviation industry from its plant in Salem, Garmin AT continues to operate on the cutting edge of technology, designing, building, and testing products trusted by pilots and aviation professionals across the globe.
• Contract disputes
• Shareholder conflicts
• Employment litigation • Fiduciary claims
• Complex commercial cases • Real Property Litigation & Condemnation
• Creditor’s Rights
• Trust & Estates Litigation
The Saalfeld Griggs Litigation Team provides strategic advocacy at every stage of the dispute.
continued on page 24
An iconic 50-year-old firm rooted in Salem, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, was named the Employer of the Year for its impactful legacy of elite service to its clients, its employees, and the eight communities where it operates, including Salem. While offering expert
AWARDS
Willamette Legacy Law receives 2026 New Business of the Year award.
advisory services, Aldrich remains dedicated to taking care of its people, providing professional development opportunities and exceptional benefits to its employees, including 16 hours of paid volunteer time off each year.
Salem landmark Pioneer Trust Bank received the year’s top honor, as it was named the 2026 Business of the Year. A pillar of the Salem business community for more than 100 years, Pioneer Trust Bank was recognized for its unwavering commitment to Salem over the last century-plus and for its maintained level of exceptional service and leadership principles, which have been passed down through four generations of the Compton family.
“When local businesses thrive, families flourish, charitable organizations make a difference, and we all benefit,” said Pioneer Trust Bank President Brad Compton as he and his staff team accepted the award. “We thank the Chamber for
the good work being done to make these things happen. Our commitment is that we will continue to be a strong, safe, relationship-driven community bank that believes local decision-making still matters. Character still matters. Community still matters. You matter, and we are listening.”
Looking Ahead to Next Year
While Salem’s awards season has come to a close, we know that the great work being done to better our community, our economic ecosystem, and our way of life in Salem never stops. As we congratulate our 2026 award recipients once again, we also thank everyone in the community working in and behind the scenes to drive progress and prosperity. We hope to see you again in 2027 as we continue these proud traditions and celebrate our incredible community together. 503.
DON’T RISK YOUR BUSINESS ON PIECEMEAL SOLUTIONS
Protect your bottom line with Complete Managed IT Pay for your uptime, not your downtime with one flat fee !
Serving the greater Salem/Keizer area since 1980
Visit our website to see what others are saying WWW.PETRATECHIT.COM
Aldrich CPAs + Advisors receives 2026 Employer of the Year award.
Rare Opportunity!
COTTAGE AVAILABLE NOW –two bedroom, two bathrooms, beautiful surroundings, vaulted ceilings, and so much more!
Clear Lake Homes Retirement Living is a 55+ independent living community set on 42 scenic acres, offering a peaceful, low-maintenance lifestyle with supportive services where aging in place makes this the perfect new home.
Amenities include wellness programs, transportation, on-site services, and 24/7 staff support.
New residents can currently receive half off their first full month’s rent, with a rare twobedroom cottage available now.
Formerly known as Willamette Lutheran Homes
New Name, Same Heart. Same Care.
Phone: 503-393-1491
7693 Wheatland Rd. N., Keizer, OR 97303 www.clearlakehomes.org
Healthy People. Healthy Community.
At Bridgeway Community Health, we believe every individual’s recovery helps build a safer, healthier community — one where we all live, work, and belong.
Opening May 2026, our new Medical Center — relocating from Harold Street to Front Street — brings that commitment to life. Designed as an integrated campus, it unites medically managed withdrawal, primary care, and outpatient services in one coordinated setting. Together with our residential treatment home, these services create a seamless continuum of care — allowing individuals to move from detoxification to residential support and ongoing outpatient treatment without disruption.
The center will also include medically supervised sobering stations, providing a safe alternative to emergency room care while easing pressure on hospitals and first responders.
Bridgeway delivers modern, holistic care — addressing mental, physical, and relational health — with compassion, dignity, and without judgment. When our neighbors experience freedom, we all do better.
If you or a loved one needs support, we’re here to help:
Main line: (503) 363-2021
Detox line: (503) 399-5597
Bridgewaych.org
Comcast Expansion Brings Multi-Gig
Internet to Nearly 600 Brooks Homes and Businesses
Company Ahead of Schedule as Ongoing Marion County Investment Continues to Expand Broadband Access
Nearly 600 homes and businesses in Brooks now have access to Comcast’s multi-gigabit, symmetrical Internet service as the company continues its major broadband expansion project, which is running ahead of schedule.
The network expansion, which began earlier this year, is expected to reach nearly 100 additional homes and businesses this summer. When complete, more than 700 locations in the community will have access to Comcast’s Xfinity and Comcast Business services for the first time.
The Brooks project is the latest example of Comcast’s continued investment in Marion County, where the company has expanded reliable, high-speed Internet access to nearly 20,000 additional homes and businesses since 2021. Those investments have brought broadband connectivity to communities including Hubbard, Mount Angel, Silverton, Stayton, Sublimity, and Woodburn.
For local businesses, the network expansion provides access to Comcast Business products and services,
including high-speed Internet, networking, cloud connectivity, and mobile solutions designed to support organizations of all sizes.
For residents, Xfinity services include multi-gig Internet speeds, mobile service, streaming entertainment, and smart home technologies. The company says its network is designed to support the growing demands of connected households, including streaming, gaming, remote work, and video conferencing.
The new network also gives Brooks residents access to Xfinity's recently launched Same Day Wi-Fi service, which allows eligible customers to receive and activate Internet service within hours of signing up. Customers can have a Xfinity Gateway delivered the same day or pick up equipment at a Xfinity Store and self-install using the Xfinity app, eliminating the traditional wait for equipment delivery or installation appointments.
Comcast says Xfinity is the first major wired Internet
provider to offer same-day Wi-Fi connectivity, providing immediate access to high-speed Internet for households that need to get online quickly. For families moving into newly connected homes in Brooks, the service means they can take advantage of multi-gigabit Internet access almost immediately after ordering, whether they are working remotely, managing a home business, streaming entertainment, or connecting smart home devices.
The investment in Brooks is part of a broader effort by Comcast to expand broadband infrastructure across Oregon. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $500 million in network technology and infrastructure statewide, helping extend access to high-speed Internet services to communities large and small.
Residents can visit Xfinity.com/mytown and enter their addresses for additional details on construction timing and upcoming service availability.
As construction continues, Brooks is quickly becoming the latest Marion County community to benefit from Comcast’s ongoing investment in broadband infrastructure, strengthening connectivity for residents, entrepreneurs, and employers throughout the region 503.
Youth Leadership Project: Impacting Lives, Shaping Futures
As a child, John Louie dreamed of becoming a forensic psychologist. Over time, that dream evolved, first to anesthesiologist, then to paramedic as he entered high school. While John knew he wanted a fast-paced career in the medical field, he wasn’t sure what that future could look like.
As a junior at South Salem High School and a participant in the 2025–2027 Youth Leadership Project (YLP) cohort — a two-year leadership development program for high school juniors offered through the McLaran Leadership Foundation and the Mountain West Center for Community Excellence — John experienced a pivotal “aha” moment during the program’s Legal Day.
During a tour of the Salem Police Department’s SWAT room, John learned about the role of a SWAT medic from a touring officer, a career he didn’t even know existed. Intrigued, he asked follow-up questions and went home that same day to Google “how to become a SWAT medic.” John shared recently, “Being a SWAT team medic combines my passion for helping people medically in a high-energy job.” Through this experience, John gained clarity about the profession he wants to pursue and a clear path toward achieving it.
Like John, Salem Academy student Grace Carlile began her Youth Leadership Project experience unsure of which career path to follow. Legal Day also proved impactful for Grace, who shared, “Getting to hear from the D.A. [Marion County District
Attorney Paige Clarkson] was so cool!” She continued, “I came into this year unsure of what I wanted to do, but now I know I want to go into law.” While Grace’s interest in true crime and legal dramas may have drawn her toward the legal field, it was hearing firsthand about real-life work in the District Attorney’s Office that solidified her desire to pursue the profession.
For the second year of their Youth Leadership Project experience, both John and Grace will begin serving on nonprofit boards in September 2026. John will join the board of Salem City Club as a youth representative, while Grace will serve on the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce board. Both will complete their year of service and graduate from the YLP program in June 2027. This real-world board service provides hands-on, kinesthetic learning that will be foundational to their professional development and future college studies.
Through meaningful experiences like these, the Youth Leadership Project directly impacts students’ lives by exposing them to a wide range of careers and industries through authentic engagement with leaders in business, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector. Board service serves as a powerful catalyst for skill-building, professional growth, and workforce development. When students gain a clear vision of their future careers, they develop purpose and confidence today, laying the groundwork to become impactful leaders who will shape and strengthen their communities for years to come 503.
John Louie, senior at South Salem High School.
Grace Carlile, senior at Salem Academy.
•
•
•
•
•
Tina Hernandez
With deep passions for education, genuine connection, and helping others achieve personal and professional success, Tina Hernandez is a natural community leader and an ideal Salem Chamber Ambassador.
Tina found her calling to help others following a family tragedy, after the father of her daughter sadly passed away in a car accident. Her family not having life insurance at the time made things even more difficult, so Tina decided to enter the insurance industry to ensure others wouldn’t wind up in a similar situation. That decision marked the beginning of a 34-year career for Tina, who is now an Insurance Agent at Highstreet Insurance Partners in Salem, where she continues to take joy and pride in educating her clients and protecting what is most precious to them.
While Tina sees the challenges faced by the Salem business community and by those in her own industry, she remains optimistic about Salem’s future, as her Ambassador and CBW roles give her a frontrow seat to witness positive and powerful connections forming and the genuine effort at progress from local leaders.
After starting her insurance career in Wenatchee, Washington, Tina moved to Salem in 2000. She started attending the Salem Chamber’s weekly Greeters meetings in 2005 and immediately felt seen, supported, and cared for by other business leaders, which signaled that the Salem Chamber was where she needed to be.
“I knew that if I was going to do business in Salem, I needed to be involved with our community,” Tina said. “I felt so welcomed and met so many amazing people, so I knew it was the place for me.”
A few years later, Tina deepened her involvement within the Chamber and the Salem business community by becoming a Salem Chamber Ambassador, a volunteer role she continues to take great pride in by helping others feel at home.
“Your first few times at Greeters can be overwhelming, but when you have an Ambassador, it helps you feel more comfortable,” Tina said. “I love making people feel they are welcome and that they matter. Leadership and professionalism are so important in a community, and that’s why Ambassadors are so important.”
Also deeply involved for several years in our community’s ever-growing Chamber Business Women (CBW) group, Tina is taking on the Chair position for CBW this July, where she will remain dedicated to helping women in business grow professionally, as well as personally.
“I feel that the business community truly cares about your success,” Tina said. “There have been struggles after COVID and many businesses were lost, but I feel we are beginning to recover. We have great leaders who are trying to revamp downtown, and I am excited to see what comes next. Insurance goes in waves at times, but I believe if you stay consistent in building relationships and networking, it all works out in the end.”
As a true community builder, Tina’s passions for fostering connections and serving others extend beyond her industry and the Chamber, including her membership in Salem Business Builders, Inc. and her previous board service with the United Way of the MidWillamette Valley. In these roles, Tina has continued her own personal and professional education, and the Salem community is fortunate that leaders like Tina choose to generously and selflessly pass that education on.
When she’s not helping educate her clients or serving in her volunteer roles, Tina enjoys spending time with family, dancing, attending events, and traveling with her son to his professional Muay Thai matches. She also loves sharing networking and marketing ideas with her eldest son, who is a general contractor and business owner in Salem.
The next time you see Tina at a Salem Chamber event, make sure to thank her for her service to our business community and congratulate her on being named the Ambassador of the Quarter! 503.
