PRESS RELEASE
Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce Reveals Finalists for Milestone 80th Annual Awards
STAYTON, OR, April 21, 2026 — The Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 80th Annual Chamber & Community Awards, recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals across the Santiam Canyon region.
The event will be held Thursday, April 30th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Foothills Church in Stayton, with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. Award recipients will be announced during the luncheon.
“What stands out most this year is the incredible pride and commitment people have in these communities,” said Nicholas Raba, Director of Membership & Business Engagement. “The nominations tell a powerful story—of businesses, individuals, and organizations going above and beyond to make this region a better place to live, work, and grow.”
Each year, the Chamber honors excellence across multiple categories, with nominations submitted by community members, local businesses, and civic leaders. These finalists represent the very best of Stayton, Sublimity, Aumsville, Turner, Scio, the Santiam Canyon, and beyond.
Distinguished Service Award ~ Citizen of the Year finalists:
Matt Spenner
Denise Busch
Paula Taylor
New Outstanding Business Award finalists:
The Hickory Spoon
Alpaca Soft & Naturals
505 The Men’s Collective
Chamber Award of Excellence ~ Business of the Year (Small) finalists:
Jet Auto & Repair
North Santiam Funeral Service
Santiam Ballet Academy
Chamber Award of Excellence ~ Business of the Year (Large) finalists:
Les Schwab Tire Center
KeyBank
Roth’s Fresh Market
Non-Profit of the Year finalists:
Spotlight Community Theatre
Ty Hart Memorial Scholarship
Stayton Volunteer Protection Co. #1
Stayton Area Rotary – Future First Citizen Award finalists:
Owen Mitzel, Stayton High School
Abigail Searles, Regis High School
The Stayton Area Rotary’s Future First Citizen Award recognizes outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a commitment to community, highlighting the next generation of local leaders.
The Chamber extends appreciation to event sponsors, including Columbia Bank (Major Sponsor), Freres Engineered Wood (Dessert Sponsor), Focus Heating & Cooling (Non-Profit of the Year Sponsor), For the Love of Pete (Decor Sponsor), 1766 Aesthetics (Photography), as well as Santiam Hospital & Clinics and Salem Health, Denise Busch – Paramount Real Estate Services as Table Sponsors.
Catering for the event will be provided by The Hickory Spoon, one of this year’s New Outstanding Business Award finalists.
Tickets are $45 per person or $375 per table. Reservations can be made by calling (503) 769-3464 or visiting StaytonSublimityChamber.org.
Media Contact
Nicholas Raba
Director of Membership & Business Engagement
Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce
(503) 769-3464
info@staytonsublimitychamber.org