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Salem Chamber names Jim Bernau First Citizen
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2014Salem Chamber names Jim Bernau First Citizen(Salem, OR) -- The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce announced Jim Bernau, founder and president of Willamette Valley Vineyards, as the First Citizen recipient for 2013. Along with Bernau, the Salem Chamber recognized former Judge Pamela Abernethy, Rich Duncan and Jeannette Moore as Distinguished Service Award recipients and Cecilia Ritter James as the Outstanding Young Professional.Bernau is best known for his dedication to the wine industry. He has been a champion to move policy in the state capitol to grow the industry in Oregon and create jobs. He has received numerous awards for his service, including the 2010 Governor’s Gold Award and the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.Abernethy has dedicated much of her time and energy on the youth in our community. She launched two specialty courts for juveniles: Ten on Tuesday, helping pregnant moms with known drug addictions to stay clean; and STAR Court, which serves juveniles overcoming substance abuse. She is the former chair of Marion County Children and Families commission and Family Building Blocks, and has been engaged in the community through Salem Leadership Foundation, Willamette Valley Community Health Governing Board and Pentacle Theatre.Duncan is an active member of both local and national chambers of commerce, SEDCOR board member and part of the SEDCOR Construction Alliance. He is the current board president for the Chemeketa Community College Foundation and also on the board of Liberty House. Remembered for his key role in the 2010 Extreme Makeover dual-build project for the Oregon School for the Deaf, Duncan is also a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Union Gospel Mission and Marion-Polk Food Share. He encourages his staff to give back to the community through their own volunteerism as well.Moore has shown her love for the community through her many hours of volunteering. Her work has raised the awareness of both causes and dollars in the community in organizations such as the Home Builders, the Red Cross and the United Way. Her heart and passion have helped make organization like these successful, and ultimately, creates a better, healthier community.James is described as a risk-taker, entrepreneur and community ambassador. Most recently, the co-owner of The Wild Pear transformed a vacant lot in South Salem into Acme Café with her husband, Jeff James. A volunteer with local community youth projects, she can also be found behind the scenes at many community dinners and auctions. “We are proud to recognize these gems in our community,” says Jason Brandt, CEO of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. “They shine a bright light in the Salem community and serve as examples to us all.”The 64th First Citizen Awards Banquet honors each of these individuals on Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Salem Convention Center. Tickets are available online at salemchamber.org or by calling the Salem Chamber office at 503-581-1466. Presented by Portland General Electric and Mountain West Investment Corporation. Gold sponsors: Pioneer Trust Bank, Drs. Bud and Selma Pierce, Allied Video Productions, Kaiser Permanente, FastSigns and Redhawk Vineyard and Winery. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is a private 501(c)(6)not-for-profit membership organization which works to ensure a strong local economy where businesses can prosper, and families can live, work, play and shop. The programs and professional staff of the Salem Area Chamber have been recognized nationally, including a 2009 Wall Street Journal feature of the Chamber's innovative web site, SalemChamber.org. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for more than 1,250 businesses led by a volunteer board of directors who are dedicated to sustaining Salem's quality of life, and keeping our community and economy vibrant. See More