The 2012 Business of the Year award was presented to Fisher Nicholson Realtors. Fisher Nicholson Realtors have served the Klamath Basin since 1972 and were nominated for their excellent service, professionalism, and community support. Rachael Spoon of the Klamath Basin Home Builders Association presented the award and noted the winners’ “amazing representation around the community in one of the worst recessions for the real estate profession.” The nomination referred to Fisher Nicholson’s sponsorship of many non-profit events and programs which had positively impacted the community including the Klamath Falls Gems, Discover Klamath, Klamath County Association of Realtors, Klamath Lake Community Action Services, and Little League, among others.

The 2012 Distinguished Service award went to Bob Kingzett. Kingzett was recognized for his years of dedication and service to the community. As Executive Director of the JELD-WEN Foundation, Kingzett has overseen donations to numerous local charities. Most recently, he was instrumental in bringing the Sanford Pediatric Clinic to Klamath Falls. Through fundraising activities, Kingzett helped raise the money needed to secure Klamath Falls as home to this state-of-the-art facility. The Clinic is home to six local providers who provide service to children in our community. Kingzett is also a supporter of the OIT basketball teams, helping raise money for a new floor and attending many of the games.

The 2012 First Citizen award went to Michael Cullers. Cullers was nominated “on behalf of the hundreds of Boy Scouts and Scouters whose lives he has positively touched.”  Cullers has been the Scoutmaster of Klamath Falls Boy Scout Troop 8 for more than 30 years, an accomplishment achieved by less than 10 percent of Scoutmasters throughout the United States according to the Boy Scouts of America. As remarkable as that feat, Mr. Cullers has guided more than 33 boys to the rank of Eagle, the highest achievement in Boy Scouting. He knows the skills, community service, and other requirements by first-hand knowledge, earning the Eagle Scout rank in his youth. Averaging at least nine camping trips each year, he has been on more than 325 outings lasting from one to six nights. Longtime Troop Committee Chairman Dennis Drake, who has had six sons and two grandsons in Troop 8, four of whom have earned the rank of Eagle, states that “Mike is a tireless volunteer who is extremely dedicated to Scouting and is determined to provide solid leadership to boys by setting a personal example.

The Chamber awarded US Cellular – Cellular Solutions with the 2012 Member of the Year award. Barb Meng and US Cellular – Cellular Solutions was selected for their commitment to the Chamber and its programs. As a sponsor of many events including the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament and Maximum Impact Leadership event, Meng helps bring education, networking, and opportunity to Chamber members. Last year, Meng helped attract over 15 people from outside the area to the Chamber’s one day leadership event, Maximum Impact. Business people from Mt. Shasta, Medford, and Ashland, all made the trek to attend.

Chamber President Stan Gilbert presented the 2012 President’s Choice award to Bobbi Adams. Adams has been involved with the Chamber as an Ambassador for 34 years. She joined the Ambassador group while employed with South Valley Bank and has continued on even after her retirement. Adams can be seen at most Chamber functions including morning Greeters networking meetings and ribbon cuttings. Bobbi often volunteers to assist with other Chamber events. In addition to helping the Chamber, Ms. Adams is often seen volunteering at the hospital where she’s known as the “Cookie Lady.”

This year, the Chamber partnered with Waste Management to present the first Green Business of the Year award. Nominations were made for over a dozen businesses and organizations deserving of recognition for their part in sustainable practices. Kingsley Field was selected as the winner; their nomination listing significant advances in environmental improvements. Among the accomplishments, Kingsley Field has reduced their facility’s water usage by 16% and their hazardous waste by 83%. They recycled 144 tons of cardboard and paper in 2012.

Last but not least, the Chamber Ambassadors recognized David Alvarado of Sysco Foods for his efforts. Alvarado has been a member of the Chamber Ambassadors for several years. Ambassador Chairperson Heather Curtis says, “David quietly volunteers to help with everything. He doesn’t complain and is willing to do anything that needs to be done.” The Ambassadors are a volunteer committee within the Chamber that helps with member retention. They help facilitate networking meetings, attend ribbon cuttings, and help promote Chamber member businesses.

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who made a nomination for these awards and congratulates all of the winners. For more information on this event or the Chamber, call (541) 884-5193 or visit www.klamath.org.

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest active business advocacy organization (incorporated in 1905) in Klamath County. Chamber members provide support for a wide variety of community activities, events and charities. We are proud to represent 550 businesses located in or near Klamath County, and the economic health of many of these businesses relies on a healthy agricultural economy.

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Contact: Heather Tramp 541-884-5193