Excellence in Business Nominations



The Chamber's Excellence in Business Awards honors those who have contributed to the local business community and those who are pioneering new paths in the local economy. Awards are given in seven categories with additional special awards consideration determined each year.


Please nominate an individual or organization that meets ALL the criteria and has not been a past recipient.

Please note that supplemental materials may be requested from the nominee by members of the Awards Action Team, and that all information submitted will remain confidential.

Awards will be presented at the 2025 Excellence in Business Awards on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.

Page 1/11

FIRST CITIZEN
A member of the community who has made a significant contribution to the development of Jackson County over their career. The nominee does not have to be a Chamber member. However, both personal and professional accomplishments will be considered. The award will not be given posthumously. Criteria for selection include business/occupational/professional success, civic and community involvement, citizenship, and personal conduct.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 John Watt, 2023 Perry Atkinson, 2022 Roy Vinyard, 2021 Randy Jones, 2020 Travis Boersma, 2019 Doug Schmor, 2018 Dr. Brian Gross, 2017 Mike Mahar, 2016 Stephen Gambee, 2015 Lyn Hennion, 2014 Mike & Laura Naumes, 2013 John Duke, 2012 Alan DeBoer

Please describe how the nominee has significantly contributed to the development of Jackson County through both personal and professional accomplishments. Include specific examples of business or professional success, civic and community involvement, citizenship, and personal conduct. Highlight any notable achievements or impact in these areas, ensuring the examples reflect the nominee’s long-term commitment to enhancing the community.

Page 2/11

RETAILER OF THE YEAR
A Chamber member who has a record of dependability, success, exceptional customer service and outstanding community service and leadership. Criteria for selection include personal character, business excellence, customer relations, and community service.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 Chick-fil-A, 2023 PG Long Floorcovering, 2022 DANCIN, 2021 Grange Co-Op, 2020 Grocery Outlet, 2019 Sherm’s Food 4 Less, 2018 Walmart, 2017 Crater Chain Saw,  2016 Apland’s Auto Body, 2015 Kelly’s Automotive Service, 2014 Centennial Golf Club, 2013 Springhill Suites,  2012 Ed’s Tire Factory

Please provide a detailed account of how the nominee exemplifies exceptional qualities as a Retailer of the Year, focusing on their dependability, success, customer service, and leadership within the community. Highlight specific instances of business excellence, personal character, superior customer relations, and active community service. How does the nominee stand out among peers in these areas?

Page 3/11

MEMBER OF THE YEAR
A Chamber member who has made a significant contribution to the development of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Criteria for selection include chamber activities and involvement, business/occupational/professional success, civic and community involvement, citizenship, and personal conduct.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 Rogue Valley ZipLine, 2023 The Sign Dude, 2022 Rogue Disposal & Recycling, 2021 Infostructure, 2020 Helix Information Services, 2019 Outlier Construction Co., 2018 David Wright, 2017 Jessica Gomez, 2016 Tom Hall, 2015 Barrett Business Services, 2014 Chamber Ambassadors, 2013 Brian McQuade, 2012 Greg Unger

Please describe how the nominee has made a significant contribution to the development of The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County. Detail their involvement in chamber activities, their business or professional achievements, and their role in civic and community engagement. How have their actions and personal conduct exemplified outstanding citizenship and positively impacted the Chamber and broader community?

Page 4/11

NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR
A member who has joined the organization within the last three years who has become an active participant in Chamber activities and functions. The nomination can be your business or another, but must be a Chamber member of at least one, but not more than three years. Criteria for selection include chamber activities and involvement, citizenship and personal conduct.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 Nicholas Wherry, 2023 The Event Agency,  2022 Elite Maintenance, 2021 HomeQuest Realty, 2020 Rogue Tech Pros, 2019 Black Flag Armory, 2018 Bobbio’s, 2017 Mike Whitfield, 2016 Inn & Out Gardens, 2015 Medford Bookkeeping, 2014 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2013 DANCIN & Ezra Marcos, 2012 Sunrise Cafe

Please provide details on how the nominee, a new member of the Chamber for at least one but not more than three years, has become an active participant in Chamber activities and functions. Describe their involvement, contributions to the Chamber's goals, and any notable impact they've made. Additionally, discuss their citizenship and personal conduct, and how these qualities have been beneficial to the Chamber community.

Page 5/11

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE CITIZEN: FOR-PROFIT
A company that has shown strong evidence of engaging in projects that significantly promote employee development, as well as serve to enhance the quality of life in the areas where that company lives and does business. The nomination can be your business or another but must be a Chamber member. Criteria for selection include civic and community involvement and employee development programs.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 Star Body Works, 2023 Stone Ridge Golf Course,  2022 5:00 Marketing, 2021 Harry & David, 2020 Quantum Innovations, 2019 Rogue Credit Union, 2018 S+B James Construction, 2017 Knife River, 2016 Sky Oak, 2015 Combined Transport, 2014 CPM Real Estate, 2013 US Bank, 2012 Sherm’s Food 4 Less

Please provide a detailed explanation of how the nominated company has demonstrated strong commitment to employee development and enhancing the quality of life in their community. Describe specific projects or initiatives the company has undertaken, detailing their impact on employees and the local area. How do these efforts align with the company’s overall business objectives, and what measurable outcomes have been achieved in terms of civic engagement and employee growth?

Page 6/11

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE CITIZEN: NON - PROFIT
A non-profit that has shown strong evidence of engaging in projects that significantly promote employee development, as well as serve to enhance the quality of life in the areas where that company lives and does business. The nomination can be your business or another but must be a Chamber member. Criteria for selection include civic and community involvement and employee development programs.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 Youth 71Five Ministries, 2023 The Salvation Army , 2022 Kids Unlimited, 2021 Northwest Seasonal Workers, 2020 Redemption Ridge, 2019 RV Timbers Soccer Club, 2018 Maslow Project, 2017 Dogs for Better Lives, 2016 United Way, 2015 Mercy Flights, 2014 CASA, 2013 Children’s Advocacy Center, 2012 Living Opportunities

Please provide a detailed explanation of how the nominated non-profit has demonstrated a strong commitment to employee development and enhancing the quality of life in their community. Describe specific projects or initiatives the company has undertaken, detailing their impact on employees and the local area. How do these efforts align with the company’s overall business objectives, and what measurable outcomes have been achieved in terms of civic engagement and employee growth?

Page 7/11

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: SMALL (50 EMPLOYEES OR LESS)
A company that has made an outstanding contribution to The Chamber and has a reputation for community participation and involvement. The nomination can be your business or another but must be a Chamber member.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 Rogue Tech Pros, 2023 Alpha-Lit,  2022 Cascade Self Storage, 2021 Blue Phoenix Branding, 2020 Prospect Historic Hotel, 2019 Beckie's Café, 2018 KDP LLP, 2017 Bennett-Preszler Wealth Management Advisors with D.A. Davidson & Co, 2016 David Veach, 2015 Montero & Associates, 2015 Montero & Associates, 2014 InfoStructure, 2013 The Dove Media Group, 2012 Rogue River Lodge

Please describe how the nominated company has made an outstanding contribution to The Chamber and detail their role and reputation in community participation and involvement. What specific actions or initiatives has the company undertaken to support The Chamber's objectives and to engage with the community? Include examples of leadership, collaborative projects, and any significant impacts these have had on both The Chamber and the local area

Page 8/11

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: MEDIUM (51-150 EMPLOYEES)
A company that has made an outstanding contribution to The Chamber and has a reputation for community participation and involvement. The nomination can be your business or another but must be a Chamber member.

Recipients from the last 10 years:

2024 Hunter Communications, 2023 KOBI- TV NBC5, 2022 Tribal One, 2021 Rogue Regency Inn & Suites, 2020 Garrison's Home, 2019 Jacksonville Inn, 2018 Precision Electric, 2017 Banner Bank, 2016 Pacific Retirement Services, 2015 Inn at the Commons, 2014 Red Robin, 2013 Hunter Communications, 2012 Veranda Park

Please describe how the nominated company has made an outstanding contribution to The Chamber and detail their role and reputation in community participation and involvement. What specific actions or initiatives has the company undertaken to support The Chamber's objectives and to engage with the community? Include examples of leadership, collaborative projects, and any significant impacts these have had on both The Chamber and the local area

Page 9/11

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: LARGE (151 EMPLOYEES OR MORE)
A company that has made an outstanding contribution to The Chamber and has a reputation for community participation and involvement. The nomination can be your business or another but must be a Chamber member.

Recipients from the last 10 years: 

2024 Pacific Power, 2023 Rogue Credit Union, 2022 Lithia Motors, 2021 Lowes, 2020 Asante, 2019 LGB Real Estate Companies, 2018 People’s Bank of Commerce, 2017 Seven Feathers, 2016 Boise, 2015 CenturyLink, 2014 Carestream, 2013 Umpqua Bank, 2012 Rogue Federal Credit Union

Please describe how the nominated company has made an outstanding contribution to The Chamber and detail their role and reputation in community participation and involvement. What specific actions or initiatives has the company undertaken to support The Chamber's objectives and to engage with the community? Include examples of leadership, collaborative projects, and any significant impacts these have had on both The Chamber and the local area

Page 10/11

RISING STAR AWARD
RISING STAR AWARD: Must have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience within their current field and have devoted time to improving the quality of life of others through civic and community service. Actively developing leadership skills and demonstrating growth towards future goals and must demonstrate exceptional professional and personal achievement and an unwavering commitment to our community. Must be under 40 years old.

 Recipients from the last 7 years: 

2024 Hannah Reinhardt, 2023 Benjamin Kinney, 2022 Lisa Stadtmiller, 2021 Tacchini Farmers Agency, 2020 Shaun Franks, 2019 Kelsey Esqueda, 2018 Damien Rennie, 2017 Adam Reed, 2016 Ken Ogawa

 Please provide a detailed description of how the nominee, with at least two years of experience in their current field and under 40 years old, has demonstrated exceptional professional and personal achievements, along with a commitment to improving community quality of life. How has the nominee devoted time to civic service? What specific leadership skills are they actively developing, and what measurable growth have they shown toward achieving their future goals?

Page 11/11

Your Contact Information