Aspen Lakes is Business of the Year

Aspen Lakes was honored as Business of the Year on Friday at the annual Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce awards banquet at FivePine Lodge & Conference Center.

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show was recognized as Non-Profit of the Year.

Chamber members turned out in masks and beads, keeping with the Mardi Gras masquerade ball theme, to honor exceptional businesses and individuals in Sisters Country. Chamber staff and volunteers also came in for many words of praise, with chamber officials assuring the crowd that none of the chamber's accomplishments would be possible without them.

School board chair Christine Jones was named Citizen of the Year in honor of her service. Jones was unable to attend the banquet, so her award was presented last Wednesday at the school district's administration offices (see story page 3).

Another significant contributor to the success of Sisters schools earned Volunteer of the Year honors. Karen Hensley is chair of Sisters Graduate Resource Organization, which has raised funds to provide scholarships for college-bound seniors.

In prepared remarks, incoming Chamber President Greg Willitts noted that, "Even in these tough economic times this organization, based on the drive of one individual, continues to grow new scholarships. In 2011 alone, Sisters Graduate Resource Organization contributed over $110,000 to 47 students."

Hensley emphasized that the honor is possible because of the work of the 10-member board of directors, which includes Marcy Edwards; Ann Thompson; Karen Lord; Angela Ward; Dee Thompson; Tami Jones and ex-officio members Joe Hosang; Dan Saraceno; and Susanna Harrison.

"Without our board I wouldn't be receiving this award," Hensley said.

"I love this community," she said. "It's amazing, if you're willing to put out the effort, the difference you can make in a small community like Sisters."

Roger White also emphasized the teamwork required to earn honors in the community. He and his wife, Kathy, operate the Camp Sherman Store, which won the Customer Service Award.

"This is definitely a team award," he said - and by "team" he meant the Sisters Country community.

"If Sisters wasn't so happening and vibrant right now, we wouldn't be," he said.

In the short video announcing Aspen Lakes Golf Course as Business of the Year, members of the Cyrus family also spoke of the importance of community.

"The better the community does, the better we all do," Matt Cyrus said.

Accepting the award, Pam Mitchell continued the theme: "If we weren't all in this together, we wouldn't have the business that we have. We all want to live here, we all want to raise our families here. We have to be extremely innovative and creative - and stubborn - to do that."

The Cyrus family hearkens back to their pioneer heritage to tap a sense of community spirit and perseverance.

A new award was created this year to recognize a business that exemplifies the qualities of the pioneering spirit. The Pioneering Spirit Award went to Energyneering, Inc.

"Upon moving to Sisters, the president of this organization began looking for ways his expertise could benefit the community," Willitts said. "The idea of retrofitting the outdated oil heating system at Sisters High School rose to the top of this business' list."

The installation of a biomass boiler drew statewide attention and is significantly reducing heating costs for the school district.

Energyneering President Benny Benson and the company's owner, Julie Benson, accepted the award, with Benny noting that "Sisters is for dreamers."

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is one of the signature events and organizations of Sisters Country, contributing mightily to the economic well-being of the town as well as putting it on the map as an arts center.

Accepting the Non-Profit of the Year Award, Quilt Show founder Jean Wells said, "We just love to showcase what people do every year."

The nature of the show and the welcoming atmosphere and natural beauty of Sisters Country have made the show a destination for people around the world.

"They put it on their bucket list, so they can come to Sisters," she said.

Wells also praised the work of Executive Director Ann Richardson, for her ability to expand the scope of the show and create new partnerships while maintaining the integrity of the event.

Richardson was also honored with the President's Award by outgoing president Chris Mayes, who noted that Richardson is always willing to step up, often to take on tasks others are reluctant to.

The chamber also announced the tenure of new board members Kelly Cyrus of Aspen Lakes, Marcea Degregorio of South Valley Bank & Trust, and Bobbi Meritt of The Dime Store/Desert Charm.

With little fanfare but considerable humor, Chris Mayes, rocking a powder-blue tuxedo, passed the president's gavel on to Greg Willitts.

The evening concluded with dancing to the music of the band Etouffe.