COAST RIVER BUSINESS JOURNAL
APRIL 2018 | 7
CEDR AWARDS
Pete Gimre, on left, was presented the small-business
customer service award by CEDR Executive Director
Kevin Leahy.
Greensmith Landscapes owner Anthony Smith, on
left, accepted the innovation award for small busi-
ness. A 2006 graduate of Warrenton High School,
Smith moved back after attending college in Florida
to take over the family’s landscaping business.
Jeremy Mills, a State Farm agent based in Seaside,
won a customer service award for his service to the
community in support of youth programs. CEDR Exec-
utive Director Kevin Leahy presented the award.
Outstanding Customer Service,
small business
Innovation Award
Business Service to the Community,
small business
Pete Gimre, owner of Gimre’s Shoe Store, won
the small-business award for outstanding customer
service.
His grandfather, Sven, emigrated from Norway to
the U.S. in 1892 and started the company.
“In that time, the retail environment has changed
vastly — and then changed again but Gimre’s has re-
mained a viable and even vibrant player for 125 years
because they focus on what matters: the interaction
with the customers,” said Kevin Leahy. “Gimre’s Shoes
is one of the top five anchors of downtown Astoria.”
Upon accepting the award, Pete Gimre recognized
longtime co-worker Chris Stevens.
“Customer service isn’t about me — it’s all about
our employees,” Gimre said. “I’m lucky to have Chris
with me, who’s been with me forever.”
Brittany Israel,
co-owner of
the Astoria
Dairy Queen,
received the
legacy award.
Her parents
purchased the
Dairy Queen on
Marine Drive in
1973. She and
her husband,
Kent, took
ownership in
2016.
Anthony Smith, owner of Greensmith Landscapes,
won an innovation award for small businesses. A 2006
graduate of Warrenton High School, Smith moved
back after attending college in Florida to take over
his family’s landscaping business. Smith’s business
is now the largest commercial landscape company in
Clatsop County. In the peak operating months, he has
around 20 employees.
“Anthony is an innovative, forward thinker who
takes full advantage of new technology both in field
work and in the office,” said presenter Chris Breit-
meyer, president of Clatsop Community College.
Smith said the company success starts with his
team of employees.
“If you take good care of your employees, they’ll
take good care of the clients,” Smith said.
Jeremy Mills, a State Farm insurance agent based
in Seaside, won a small-business award for service to
the community for his support of youth programs.
“Jeremy has sponsored events totaling in the thou-
sands of dollars,” Leahy said. “He just loves seeing
our community offering positive opportunities to our
youth.”
Mills said he felt fortunate to be in a position to
help.
“To have the opportunity to give back has meant
more to me anything else I’ve ever accomplished,”
he said. “It has touched me more than the kids it in-
volves.”
Legacy Award
Brittany Israel, co-owner of the Astoria Dairy
Queen, won the legacy award. Her parents purchased
the Dairy Queen on Marine Drive in 1973. She and
her husband, Kent, took ownership in 2016.
“Since taking over full ownership, Brittany has re-
modeled the property, adapted the menu, and greatly
expanded her knowledge of the management respon-
sibilities of an owner, and has embraced all the chang-
es with a smile,” Breitmeyer said.
Since starting at age 12, Israel’s passion has re-
mained.
“I love walking out into the DQ lobby and seeing
all the familiar faces,” she said. “Astoria is home to
me. I look forward to carrying on the legacy for years
to come.”