The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce honored several individuals, businesses, and groups at their 1st Annual Gala Award Ceremony held Saturday night at the Salem Community Theatre.
Salem Mayor Nic Farley accepted the previously announced award of the Partners in Progress Award presented to the city for their work on behalf of citizens and the business community. He noted he ripped up his prepared notes after Friday night’s tornado hit part of the south side of the city.
“I saw firefighters and cops show up before they were called. I saw our public works folks out before this storm had left this town. I saw people going into homes with trees on them. I am ten times more proud of this town than I was 24 hours ago. And it is all because of brave folks like this who decide to be servant leaders and serve their community.”
Farley then asked for a round of applause for many of the city department heads he gathered on the stage to accept the award. He also noted neighbor helping neighbor in the aftermath of the storm.
The Hole Dozen was the winner of the New Business Award. Charlee Kissner was joined in accepting the award by her husband Nick and her staff. She said the business started in 2020.
“We started the food trailer. It was just going to be a part-time thing and it really grew and grew and we finally got to the point where we needed a bigger space, a permanent home. We are glad we found the Orchard.”
Kissner is looking for further expansion and is currently working on getting her wholesale license.
The Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Chuck’s Place. Owners Chuck and Becky Powell accepted the award.
It is very awesome. It is community, brings us all together, and keeps small businesses like us going,” said Chuck Powell.
“We have great staff, great teamwork, great community, and everyone helps everyone, it’s awesome,” Becky Powell added.
The Educator of the Year Award was presented to Salem Community High School Teacher and Baseball Coach Brian Lipe.
“It’s all about the kids why we do this stuff. Thanks to the kids for putting up with me and thanks to the chamber nominating me and putting me through.”
The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Kevin and Stephanie Rakers who founded the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. He called all of their volunteers in attendance to the stage and said this award belonged to them.
“These friends have become family through something that is so important to us….giving beds to kids who don’t have them. In other words, no kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
Rakers noted since their 2020 start they have delivered beds to 857 kids who did not have them and have now made 970 beds. He also thanked those who have donated other items used with the beds to keep their costs down.
The Legacy Award winner was Keith and Tammy McNeil for their work in revitalizing the Orchard Shopping Center and helping to start other businesses. They were out of state and unable to accept the award.
The chamber also presented its Ambassador of the Year. It was given to Kelly Predium who was choked up in accepting the award noting it was so meaningful because it was voted upon by the other ambassadors who assist the chamber.
The program began with a ribbon cutting to mark the Salem Chamber’s 125th anniversary and to thank the business leaders in 1898 who had the vision to start the organization.
After the tornado hit part of the south side of Salem on Friday night, plans were put into place to change the gala into a fundraiser for those impacted by the storm. All proceeds as well as donations made at the event will go to the Greater Salem Area Foundation to be distributed to those in need of help due to the tornado damage.
Salem Chamber Executive Director Jessiycka Coleman-Nix cuts the ribbon as Chamber President Tony Etnier watches as the chamber marks its 125th Anniversary of the start of the Salem Chamber Gala Awards Night. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem Chamber’s Partner in Progress award is presented to the city of Salem. Left to right: Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador, Public Chief Kyle Ambuehl, Recreation Director Jed Casner, and Mayor Nic Farley. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
The staff at the Hole Dozen accepts their award for New Business of the Year. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Becky and Chuck Powell accepted the Small Business of the Year Award for Chuck’s Place.
Salem Community High School teacher and baseball coach is named teacher of the year. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace join Kevin and Stephanie Rakers in accepting their award as Volunteers of the Year. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Kelley Predium is named Salem Chamber Ambassador of the Year. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
