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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 12, 2021)
8A | SATURDAY, JUNE 12 2021 | SIUSLAW NEWS BUSINESS BEAT 541-997-3128 290 Highway 101, Florence, OR 97439 www.FlorenceChamber.com www.facebook.com/fl orenceoregon www.twitter.com/FlorenceOrCoast Business Matters: Last Words By Russ Pierson Chamber Board Past President Th ere is always something special about “last words”, whether it’s a loved one’s fi nal words, a politician’s address as they leave offi ce or a colleague’s speech at a retirement party. In fact, even if no one realized those were the “last words” at the time, we still, in retrospect, oft en grant those words greater weight, and deserving of more attention. Th ese are my “last words” as the author of this monthly column on behalf of the Chamber. It’s true—I have “termed out” on as a member of the Board of Directors. Honestly, it feels like I’ve been part of the inner life of our Chamber since I fi rst assumed the role at LCC over six years ago now. Cal Applebee was the very capable Director at the time, and he extended an opportunity to attend board meetings as an ex offi cio member, off ering brief reports from my perch at the college. I was happy to share items of interest and to work to better connect Florence to the LaneSBDC, the Small Business Development Center associated with LCC. Of course, one of the best parts of attending those board meetings was meeting the fabulous people who are deeply invested in our community—the owners, managers and key employees who serve on the Board. Aft er Cal announced his departure to spend time on his many other interests, the Board found its way to Bettina Hannigan, our current President and CEO. Bettina built on Cal’s tenure of excellent service and great community relations, and has managed to fashion a well-oiled Chamber that serves the business community, the City (as marketing partner) and our entire region with expertise and ever-growing infl uence. Remarkably, our Chamber is on stronger footing now than we were prior to the pandemic, due to the wise leadership of Ms. Hannigan and an expert Board led by current Chair, Neil Ecker. And even more importantly, the Chamber has been a trusted resource of timely counsel throughout the pandemic—with “timely” being far and away the most important word in that sentence. So many of the relief programs required quick notice and even quicker response. So then, here they are—my last words: Join the Chamber … support the Chamber (because they will surely support you) … read Th e Chamber Blast religiously (and quickly) for best results. We are and always will be stronger together! h Together our business community has risen from the ashes, while we keep moving upward. The Chamber community is looking towards brighter days ahead, while we prepare to recognize those who inspired us during the past 14 months. Not only do we wish to hear your nominations, but the stories behind them. Share with us who you feel not only survived, but thrived. Was there a business who made the best out of a difficult situation? One who’s innovation lead to inspiring others to do the same? OPEN NOW DEADLINE JUNE 30th https://bit.ly/PhoenixRising2021 Do you know of a caring individual, organization or group of people that put the needs of the community above their own? We want to hear how they touched the lives of others. How about those brave souls who were determined enough to start a business during a pandemic? Give them a nod. We cannot forget the business owners and employees who worked on the front lines providing basic needs, so our community could stay safe in our homes. Who stood out as going above and beyond? OR PERHAPS YOU WISH TO NOMINATE A BUSINESS, INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION FOR A DIFFERENT REASON? WE WISH TO READ THOSE TOO! At this year’s summer edition of the Siuslaw Awards, it is our goal to give these special individuals, groups and businesses their time in the sun. Please tell us who made this difficult time a bit easier, who you think is most deserving. The Florence Area Chamber mber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Florenc Florence, Central Lincoln PUD, and Three Rivers Casino Resort is preparing to hang festive, colorful banners on power poles along the Highway 101 corridor and at the Casino. The Chamber is launching this program to catch drivers’ attention at the casino and through our Highway 101 corridor, get them to slow down a little, and help direct visitors to stop, shop, eat, play, and stay here in Oregon’s Coastal Playground. That’s where you come in! The program will include six primary themes and three sizes to hang in different locations. Banners will rotate seasonally and feature the themes Shop, Eat, Stay, Play, Oregon’s Coastal Playground, and Florence, to coincide with the Chamber’s other tourism marketing messages. The artist that submits the winning design suite will be compensated $1000 Check the details and entry form at the link below: https://florencechamber.com/florencebannerartistcall/
