2022 REDMOND CHAMBER AWARD WINNERS

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Kona Ice of Bend

This year’s Business of the Year recipient personifies the entrepreneurial spirit. This woman-owned business brings a smile and inspiration in the heat of the summer. This company gives back to the community by supporting local schools and other organizations by donating time and product to various groups and activities and helping with many fundraising events throughout our region. This company is mobile, is seen at countless summer events around Central Oregon, is a kid (and adult) favorite, it’s cool, colorful, refreshing and affordable. If Mom is not behind the counter, you most likely will find her daughter, or one of the other handful of friendly employees.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - Laura Garcia

Over the past few years, we have seen an unprecedented number of people step up in the community to serve those in need. Some did it publicly with a great deal of community support, while others acted quietly behind the scenes, making a significant impact on numerous lives. This year’s Citizen of the Year is one of those who is quietly working in the background and making things happen. She has a strong record of community involvement as a quiet, humble leader who never wants praise for her actions. During the forest fires that pushed fire crews to the breaking point, this individual stepped up with her team and fed them. Supporting local organizations with fundraisers, serving on Boards and Commissions and always giving back to the community is what she does best.

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Arome

This Husband and wife owned company opened its physical doors in Redmond last year after a traumatic weather event and new roof shattered their hopes for a December 2021 Grand Opening. Taking the delay in stride with determination and preservice, this company took up the opportunity to take advantage of the Holiday Village Market to sell their products and wares to the public and to get their name out to the community. Opening their doors in an iconic downtown Redmond location, at the Redmond Archway, they were finally able to welcome the public into their store in spring of last year and the Chamber held an official ribbon cutting in August. It has been a pleasure to have them as a Chamber member, to welcome them into the community and to support them during their time of need.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD - Strive Workplace Solutions

This year’s Customer Service Award goes to a business whose name is newer to Central Oregon but not to the business they operate. In the fast-paced world of online ordering and free delivery, excellent customer service is key to succeeding in this business - and our winner of course does all this. If you are in the market for a desk chair, copier paper, that favorite roller ball silky smooth pen, or any business office supply - then hopefully you have experienced what we are talking about. Of course, Customer Service comes down to the leadership team and those who meet, greet answers the calls and delivers the products to your door. This business is truly the embodiment of excellence, which you experience from the moment you connect with them.

PRESIDENT'S CHOICE AWARD - Art & Music

From Sip and Paint nights, to refurbishing musical instruments, to offering one on music lessons tailored to the individual student - one could say their magic recipe for success is more art than science. This business offers products and services that are scarce in Central Oregon and their level of customer service, quality of product and commitment to the community earns them this recognition. A recent customer brough her young child into the store. Terry showed him different musical instruments, played them so he could learn what they sound like and let him explore. The owners are truly in business for the love of the arts and sharing their love with others. We are blessed to have them as part of our business community.

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR - Molly Schluckebier

Our Ambassadors are the essence of the Chamber and they are the reason we can accomplish all that we do each year. They are our strength and their many hands make even the most challenging of tasks, easier. Their positive attitudes, can do spirit and the endless laughter, breathes life and joy into the mission of the Chamber and Redmond Community. Our Ambassadors attend Coffee Clatters, Business After Hours and Ribbon Cuttings, they distribute our monthly newsletters and they meet and greet our new members, and help them become engaged in the Chamber and community.