Something to Celebrate Community service Best of the Best honors those making an impact

By Paula Mabry

Community service, perseverance and inspiration were the prevailing themes of the Best of the Best, the 77th annual Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce community awards May 18.

Honorees included 2022 New Outstanding Business, Case Coffee; Large Business of the Year, Siegmund Excavation; Small Business of the Year, Lulay Financial; and Distinguished Service Award, Mike Bauer.

The Stayton Rotary presented seniors Omar Garcia, of Stayton High School, and Melissa Gonzalez, of Regis St. Mary, with Future First Citizen awards.

In addition to the traditional awards, the luncheon event included special presentations to Debbie Turner of Deb’s Attic as Community Angel, and attorney Jennifer Tiger as 2022 Individual of the Year.

Tiger, a cancer survivor, noted that facing hardship “makes us more compassionate” and reaffirms a “we don’t give up” family philosophy. She said she found the community an important source of inspiration in facing challenges.

Turner was unable to attend because she was tending the store, however, she was lauded for the many times since opening in 2004 when she stepped forward to assist others.

Kathleen’s Pet Grooming

In receiving the Small Business award, Lulay Financial –Dennis, Tyler and Travis Lulay – a family-owned enterprise, noted that they were grateful “to live here and for the opportunity to serve.”

Similiar sentiments were expressed by Andrew Siegmund, president of Siegmund Excavation & Construction, which was honored with the Large Business of the Year Award. From storms to the 2020 wildfires, the company has assisted with recovery efforts, nominators said. Andrew and his brother Alan respresent the third generation of the Siegmund family to work in the Oregon woods.

“We’re proud to be part of this community...We look forward to helping everybody in the future,” Andrew Siegmund said. The company was also North Santiam Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

Carmelle Bielenberg, president and CEO of the chamber, noted that when she called Distinguished Service honoree Mike Bauer to tell him of the award, he asked that his name be taken from the list. The 50-year Regis educator, coach, counselor and co-founder of the Stayton Road Runners, tried to “respectfully decline”. She gently pushed back with it was the committee’s decision.

In accepting the award, Bauer told the audience, “This award, it belongs to all of you. This is a special community exemplified by service.”

Bauer noted that Jennifer Tiger’s father, Jim Tiger, had been one of his mentors and he was happy to see her honored. He thanked Regis, the North Snatiam School District, and Santiam Hospital for their contributions to the community.