Business awards went to 10 Barrel Brewing Company (large distinguished business of the year), Webfoot Painting Co. (small business) and Healthy Beginnings (organization of the year).
Jim T. Lussier was named the Citizen of the Year by the Bend Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 2012 SAGE Awards Dinner on Monday evening. Lussier believes in the power of community and has generously given back to Central Oregon and the State of Oregon for many years.
Lussier has lived in the area for 40 years and is well known within the community for not only his sense of humor, but also his tireless effort to improve the health of the community as well as his volunteerism. He currently serves on several boards and commissions including the Oregon Technical Institute Foundation, City Club of Central Oregon, Volunteers in Medicine, Oregon Health Policy Commission, Health Matters (the State Stars Program), Health Guidelines Review Committee, and the Oregon Environmental Council.
Besides working on various commissions and boards, Lussier is also actively involved in the community through Rotary. This July, he will assume the role of District Governor for Rotary District 510. The district encompasses Madras to the Oregon Coast and Corvallis to Yreka, California.
The Citizen of the Year award was presented by Oran Teater, Branch Manager of Raymond James and the 2011 Citizen of the Year Recipient.
Chamber Members also voted 10 Barrel Brewing Company as Large Distinguished Business of the Year, Webfoot Painting Co as Small Distinguished Business of the Year, and Healthy Beginnings as Outstanding Organization of the Year.
LARGE DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
10 Barrel Brewing Company
10 Barrel Brewing Company is one of the fastest growing package beer companies in the state. However, with all the accolades and success of 10 Barrel Brewing Company, the partners and employees know they wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the support of the local community. 10 Barrel has monthly charities, culminating with the Charity Night at their brewpub and in 2011 alone they raised over $25,000 for local charities. The company also participates in a variety of local events and fundraisers and last year provided over $100,000 in cash and products outside of the Charity of the Month program. 10 Barrel Brewing employees also take the time to give back and have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and served food at the Bethlehem Inn.
SMALL DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Webfoot Painting Co
A professional painting company of “Seriously Great Painters,” Webfoot Painting Co takes its customer experience and dedication to the community to a whole new level. Webfoot Painting Co prides itself on being a part of the community and looking for ways to motivate and inspire. They donate through their “Painter for a Day” program where gift certificates are given for silent auctions. In 2011, Webfoot Painting donated 12 certificates each valued at $475. Webfoot Painting runs two different charity events annually including their pumpkin carving event “Carving for Kids” that benefits the MountainStar Family Relief Nursery and their signature event the $5,000 Painting Charity Giveaway.
OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
Healthy Beginnings
Providing key services to young children can make a profound difference, ensuring children are healthy, ready to succeed in school, and can develop to their full potential. Each year Healthy Beginnings holds 18 screenings throughout Central Oregon with the help of its 400 professional volunteers. During the free screenings, children birth through age five are offered a “12 point kid inspection” that assesses the following: vision, dental, speech, infant & toddler development, concepts, hearing, social skills and behavior, health, nutrition, car seat safety, motor, and emergency preparedness. Healthy Beginnings provides the most comprehensive assessment and referral service in the community, confirming the health and development of young children birth to age five and at no cost to the family. The screenings are not just designed for low income families, it’s a program designed for all families with young children.
