Bend Chamber SAGE Business Awards announced

The Bend Chamber honored several businesses, people and agencies Thursday night at the 28th annual SAGE Business Awards, held at The Riverhouse Convention Center.

Co-hosted by NewsChannel 21’s Bob Shaw, the Chamber gave out nine awards, honoring businesses and individuals who have distinguished themselves by fostering growth, innovation, community service and excellence in their sectors.

Named as Citizen of the Year was Dr. Rod Ray, long-time employee and former CEO of Bend Research, acquired three years ago by Capsugel.

G5 was named Large Business of the Year, while Aperion Management Group was named Small Business of the Year.

More than 250 attendees gathered to celebrate the region’s finest citizens and businesses. Emcees for the event were none other than local celebrities Dave Clemens and Bob Shaw.

“The SAGE Business Awards are known for showcasing the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of our region’s brightest businesses and citizens,” said Robin Rogers, Executive Vice President of Programs and Events for the Bend Chamber.

The awards gala returned to The Riverhouse this year with a comfy/chic look that included several lounge areas with upscale furniture provided by Ashley Homestore. Many attendees commented, “Wow! This is nice!” when they first entered the ballroom and mentioned how spacious yet intimate this year’s setting was.

The Bend Chamber received more than 40 nominations this year. Nominations were open to Bend Chamber members, with exception of the Citizen of the Year Award, which was open to both members and the community at large. All nominees, with the exception of the People’s Choice Award, were judged by an independent panel of judges comprised of past winners, business owners and community dignitaries.

“This was a really special occasion as we salute the stand-out businesses, non-profits, and individuals that make up our truly unique business community here in Central Oregon,” reiterated Rogers.

The notion of Bend being a unique business community was echoed throughout the evening, starting with Katy Brooks, CEO of the Bend Chamber, and her introduction to the Equity Award. In addition to explaining the need for opportunity and diversity, she laid out a framework for what it means to do business in Bend. She termed it how to “be Bend.”

To shed some light on how Bend’s unique business community came to be, a short video was shown showcasing Bend’s past drawing positive accolades from the audience.

Here are the rest of the awards announced Thursday night:

· Nonprofit Organization of the Year:

o Small: Latino Community Association

o Large: Family Access Network

· Startup of the Year: Oregrown

· Young Professional of the Year: Carrie McPherson Douglass

· Equity Award: Moementum Inc.

· People’s Choice Award: IBEX Global

We’ll have more details about the awards on Friday.