2009 Finalists
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Business of the Year and Sixth Annual Emerald Award Finalists
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Eugene, Ore.—The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has named Palo Alto Software as the recipient of its Business of the Year award. Along with this announcement, the chamber revealed the finalists for its sixth annual Emerald Awards. Emerald Award winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Hult Center on Tuesday, October 6, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A selection committee of Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce members reviewed 36 nominations before announcing the Business of the Year winner and Emerald Award finalists. The committee chose 12 Emerald Award finalists across four categories: community caring, environmental values, growth and innovation. The Business of the Year award is given to one business that excelled in all four categories.
“Palo Alto Software was named 2009 Business of the Year because of its focus on the triple bottom line of sustainability—financial, social and the environment,” says Dave Hauser, chamber president. “Palo Alto Software truly demonstrates an outstanding contribution to the community in each of these ways.”
Palo Alto Software creates, develops and manufactures tools to help start-ups and small businesses succeed. Small business and entrepreneurship is a passion of the company, and they have been spreading this passion from their Eugene, Oregon headquarters since 1992. Earlier this year Palo Alto Software launched the Oregon Small Business Boost program, providing $3.2 million of free business planning software to Oregon entrepreneurs. In addition, Palo Alto Software supports a host of community causes ranging from SCORE to the Nature Conservancy.
Over the last six years, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has received nearly 500 nominations applauding members of the business community. The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce developed the Emerald Awards program to honor businesses in the Eugene and Springfield area that contribute to our community’s vitality and quality of life through sustainable business practices. Each award represents a core principle of sustainability and demonstrates the important connection between the success of local businesses and the quality of life in Eugene/Springfield.
Sponsors of the 2009 Emerald Awards include presenting sponsor Isler CPA, along with Detlefsen Nel & Associates LLC, Chambers Productions, Jones & Roth CPAs and Business Consultants, Eugene Water & Electric Board and Bank of America.
Emerald Award finalists are as follows:
Emerald Award for Community Caring recognizes leadership by businesses that give generously of time, money, goods or services for the enrichment of the community. Finalists for 2009 include:
- Kernutt Stokes Brandt & Co. LLP
- Pacific Continental Bank
- The Register-Guard
Emerald Award for Environmental Values honors businesses that are leaders in preserving the environment and/or that have taken particular measures to be exceptional stewards of our natural resources. Finalists for 2009 include:
- Hamilton Construction
- SOLARC Architecture & Engineering, Inc.
- Adam’s Sustainable Table
Emerald Award for Growth honors businesses that have demonstrated growth through job creation and revenue increases over a 24-month period. Finalists for 2009 include:
- Café Yumm!
- Oakshire Brewing
- Turtle Mountain LLC
Emerald Award for Innovation honors existing businesses that have enhanced or re-invented their products, services, or practices through the successful implementation of innovative ideas. It also applies to emerging businesses with a niche or idea that have demonstrated rapid early growth.
- Avant Assessment
- Floragenex
- Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center
Those interested in attending the Emerald Awards celebration can register online or call (541) 484-1314.
As the area’s leading business advocate, the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce works to create an environment in which business will thrive. The chamber works with partners in business, government and education to improve the quality of life for local residents. For more information, call (541) 484-1314 or visit the Eugene Chamber's Web Site.
