Distinguished Large Business of the Year

BendBroadband
     With 200 plus employees and over 1,500 miles of fiber optic and coaxial cable covering the High Desert, BendBroadband literally goes the extra mile for customers. As a local, family-owned business, BendBroadband has more than 55 years of experience offering an extensive array of broadband, video, and telephone services for commercial and residential customers. The company also operates COTV11, which provides exclusive local TV programming including in-depth local sports, community coverage, as well as award-winning programs like Talk of the Town and Good Morning Central Oregon.
     The company's recipe for success is simple according to BendBroadband President and CEO, Amy Tykeson, "Our success is driven by a company culture built around a talented team of associates who carry the mantle for technology leadership, process improvement and efficiency and in delivering the customer ‘WOW.' Our brand promise is summed up in our tagline: ‘We're the local dog. We better be good.'"
     To remain relevant to customers in a dynamic and technology-dependent business, BendBroadband must continually deliver products that offer the latest features and meet the high standard of quality customers demand. As a result, the company invests heavily to ensure Central Oregonians are well positioned with the tools they need.
     With this steady focus on innovation, BendBroadband leads in Oregon with the rollout of many new services for its Central Oregon customers. In 1997, BendBroadband was the first cable operator in Oregon to launch high-speed Internet.
     In December of 2009, BendBroadband entered the wireless broadband market to bridge the "digital divide" and now delivers the fastest wireless broadband speeds in the country to the rural and underserved areas of our region.
     The spirit of community involvement is also woven into BendBroadband's culture. Support is directed to families and children along with cultural events (more than 130 events in 2009 alone) that enhance the experience of living in the region. Over $200,000 in cash and in-kind support is provided annually to local schools, non-profit organizations, and cultural endeavors.
     The company's community support extends beyond just corporate giving. The employees of BendBroadband also volunteer in groups, or individually through the company's Great Citizens program and by serving on various local boards. "It is incumbent upon local businesses to give back and get involved to change lives," said Tykeson. "If we can make a difference, we do it."
     This is the second year BendBroadband has been nominated.

Nosler, Inc.
     Now in its 62nd year, Nosler, Inc., a national and international company, looks to continue to grow in the shooting sports industry as well as the local community.
     Founded in Ashland, Oregon, the company moved to Bend in 1958. Today, with three generations at the helm the 62,000 square foot manufacturing facility employs 135 Central Oregon residents and operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. "We've been fortunate to not be affected by local economy, because of our international ties," said John R. Nosler, Vice President and General Manager. "We are in our seventh consecutive year of growth."
     Recently, Nosler received the Oregon State University Austin Family Business Program Excellence in Family Business Award for 2008 in the Large Business Category. "It was a great honor," said Robert "Bob" Nosler, President. "The Excellence in Family Business Award validates the principles that three generations have used as a foundation for the business."
     Though mostly known for its innovative bullet designs and rifles, Nosler also takes pride in giving back to the community. The company supports several local high schools, a wide variety of local fundraisers, auctions, and more. In 2009, Nosler, Inc. had nearly $70,000 in contributions and donations around the country.
     "It goes without saying that we want to take care of the community. We are proud to be a part of this community," Nosler said. "If you take pride in where you live, you want to give back and community service is what strengthens the community."
     Nosler's employees accumulate hundreds of volunteer hours every year by being active in various local charities and services which range from Rotary Clubs to the Central Oregon Shooting Sports Association, coaching local sports teams, youth hunts and educational programs. Bob Nosler has served on the Bend Chamber Board of Directors and various committees within the community.
     This is the third year Nosler, Inc. has been nominated.

Robberson Ford Sales
     Robberson Ford has been a vital and active member of the Bend community since 1958 when Gordon "Gordy" Robberson assumed ownership of the Ford dealership when Bend was just a small mill town. Through good times and bad, Robberson Ford has continued to thrive in the Bend community.
     While changing locations and reinvesting in the local business to add a Quick Lane, Collision Center and an extended hour Service Department, Robberson Ford has developed an environment dedicated to customer service and community involvement. "Robberson Ford's business philosophy has always been to reinvest in yourself, the business, and the community," said Jeff Robberson. "We derive our income from this community, so we believe in reinvesting in it."
     The dealership contributes to many different organizations including the Sara Fisher Project, United Way, Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, COCC Foundation, FFA, the Boys and Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House, Grandma's House, and KIDS Center.
     Robberson Ford has created a culture that encourages employee involvement in the community with flexible work schedules and monthly recognition. "The employees come to me," says Jeff, "asking to be a part of these various community events. Its important to them to give back and that makes me proud." Just this past year, despite the economic challenges, the 85 employees of Robberson Ford pledged over $15,000 to the United Way campaign.
     Robberson Ford has always been an active member in community events and has supported the Cascade Cycling Classic, Pole Pedal Paddle, and the Duck Races. "You don't do this stuff to sell cars, you do it because it's all about being a part of the community," Jeff says. "This community is what puts food on our tables and clothes on our backs."
     Robberson Ford understands the value of strong customer service. All Robberson employees are encouraged to strengthen their skills with on-going training and the service department employs one of the largest pools of Master Certified Technicians in the area. Recently, the dealership was awarded two prestigious awards: the President's Award from Ford Motor Company and the Gold Cup Certification from Mazda USA. Both awards represent the highest honor awarded for superior customer service and quality control.
     This is the second year Robberson Ford has been nominated.

Distinguished Small Business of the Year

Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis
     With a dedication to their clients and the improvement of the local community, the attorneys and staff at Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis have been serving Bend for over 95 years.
     The law firm was founded in 1915 by Jay Upton. Upton knew early on that the success of the business depended on delivering superior client service. "We like the people and businesses we represent and we want to give them high-quality, timely service," said Mark Reinecke, one of the firm's partners.
     The goal of the firm is to provide clients with counsel to address their legal issues, solve their problems and meet their goals. Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis is a full-service law firm providing a wide range of legal services including business, corporate, real estate, estate planning and probate, elder law, school and municipal law, civil litigation, taxation, construction law, employment law, land use and water law.
     Whether serving on boards of various organizations, providing pro-bono work to nonprofits, or making financial contributions, the staff and attorneys of Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis have committed themselves to giving back to the community.
     "We love Bend and we feel lucky to live and work here," said Reinecke. "We not only have a responsibility to provide high quality legal services, but also to be actively involved in our community to make Bend an even better place for everyone."
     The attorneys at the firm serve on various boards throughout Oregon including the High Desert Museum, Central Oregon Community College Foundation, Oregon Women's Lawyers, Deschutes Children's Foundation, Bend Park and Recreation Foundation, and Rotary Clubs.
     The firm also prides itself on its commitment to pro-bono legal services. Thousands of hours in services have been donated to dozens of vital organizations including Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center, MountainStar Family Relief Nursery, Central Oregon Council on Aging, and Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.
     Each year, the attorneys at Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis also actively participate in the Oregon State Bar Campaign for Equal Justice which raises funds to support Legal Aid Clinics and provide other legal services to those who cannot otherwise afford them.
     Above all, Reinecke says the 25 employees at Bryant Lovlien & Jarvis look forward to "continuing to do the right thing for our clients and our community."

D.E. Rink Construction, Inc.
     Building Central Oregon since 1979, D.E. Rink Construction, Inc. is well known in Bend for its relationship with clients, attention to detail, and love for the local community.
     D.E. Rink Construction, Inc. is a family owned and operated business. Members of the Chamber since 1987, David and Liz Rink and their daughter, Brianna Janssen, participate in Chamber activities year round. Liz is a graduate of Leadership Bend and a past Chamber Ambassador.
     D.E. Rink Construction, Inc. is a full-service construction company focusing on custom homes, commercial projects, medical facilities, and tenant improvements. They are remodeling experts in each of these facets. Chances are you live, work, or dine in a building by D.E. Rink. Their team takes pride in being well organized, planning ahead, clean jobsites, and they consider their client's comfort in any type of remodel. Green Building practices and choices are always considered. They have earned a reputation of being one of the area's best and most respected builders.
     "We consistently provide an intelligent hands-on approach while working with the architect, design team, and client to logically guide them through their building experience," said David Rink, president. "We partner with the top professional craftsmen and suppliers whom we can depend on for excellent service at a fair price."
     As they have grown their business and family in Bend, David and Liz are firm believers in giving back to the community. "We have lived here for 33 years," said Liz. "Bend is our home, and if everyone gives back a little, it makes for a richer community."
     Besides volunteering time with various organizations like the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Central Oregon Builders Association (David served as president in 1989 and 1999), and the Arts, Beautification, and Culture Commission, D.E. Rink Construction also contributes to St. Charles Foundation, The Center Foundation, The KIDS Center, Campfire USA, Deschutes Historical Society, and CORIL. Next month they will participate in the second annual COBA Ramp-a-thon where builders donate time and material to build ramps for the disabled at their homes.
     Above all, D.E. Rink Construction, Inc. is proud to have been nominated. "Bend has such a strong business community; it is an honor to be selected," said David.

Integrated Eyecare
     Integrated Eyecare is focused on providing out-of-sight eye care experience for its customers and is passionate about giving back to the local community.
     Now a family run business, Dr. Kit Carmiencke's daughter Dr. Kirsten Carmiencke Scott joined the practice in June 2008 after three years of service with the United States Navy.
     "The health of our patients' eyes and vision is our primary concern, although we also wish to provide them with an exceptional overall experience in our office," said Dr. Scott
     With its focus on the patients, Integrated Eye care also believes in being friendly and efficient throughout the eye care experience. Whether meeting patients' needs for glasses and contact lenses, to scheduling an immediate exam for a patient with an emergency, or making the check-in process easier with online forms, the practice offers exceptional customer service.
     "We are using advanced systems for identifying eye problems and enhancing vision but also systems such as large flat screen video monitors for teaching and education about our patient's unique visual needs," said Dr. Carmiencke.
     Roots to Integrated Eyecare go back to 1937 when eye care practice was first established on Wall Street by Dr. Staples, who in 1952 sold the practice to Dr. Don Schuman who in 1977 turned the practice over to Dr. Carmiencke. Within months of joining the practice he was invited to join with 30 other community members in the starting of the Greater Bend Rotary Club.
     It was through Rotary and its "service above self" attitude that kept the community focus for the practice. Dr. Carmiencke has been involved with many community organizations including serving on the boards of the Family Resource Center, Bend Area Habitat for Humanity, Greater Bend Rotary Club, and the Cascade Historic Preservation Foundation. He has also served on both state and national optometric organizations.
     Last fall Dr. Scott, with members of Integrated Eyecare, worked with Project Connect and received one of "Super Hero Awards" for providing eyecare to many homeless of Deschutes County. She continues to be a volunteer provider for vision care for children with Healthy Beginnings, and Infant See and Volunteers In Medicine.
     Integrated Eyecare also focuses on the importance of vision care for children. Recently, Integrated Eyecare played a large part in establishing the Children's Vision Foundation to screen for children's vision issues that previously had been ignored.

Outstanding Organization of the Year

Family Access Network (FAN)
     With its unique model, FAN helps to improve the lives of children and families in Deschutes County by making sure their basic needs are met.
     With its 25 advocates located throughout the local school districts, just last year alone, the organization was able to help over 7,800 children and family members connect with various services in the community to obtain food, clothing, shelter, medical services, rent assistance, childcare support, job opportunities, and so much more.
     "We can be considered a broker of services," said Julie Lyche, Program Director. "We make sure to connect people to the right places and help them navigate the social service system."
     Families who have sought help through FAN have complete anonymity and know they have a safe, nonjudgmental place to turn to in their time of need. FAN firmly believes by helping families, they are empowering them to be successful in the future.
     Many people assume FAN sees the same people over and over again, however Lyche says this is not the case. "A lot of the people we see have never sought our services before, and never thought they would have to," she said. "Generally people don't know about us until they need help."
     FAN advocates work on a daily basis with local businesses, nonprofits, and local agencies to ensure children attend school ready to learn. There are 17 local partner representatives that are a part of the FAN steering committee and they include some of the following: Deschutes County Health Services, NeighborImpact, Saving Grace, Migrant Education, the Commission on Children and Families, and all three school districts.
     Though it generally flies under the radar, over the past three years, FAN has worked to create awareness in the community about its services. "We are very passionate about what FAN does," said Lyche. "Children in poverty don't often have a voice and I see FAN, our advocates, and our volunteers as a voice for those children."

Healthy Beginnings
     We all know that the first five years of a child's life is crucial. But did you know that 90 percent of brain development is completed by the age of three! Providing key services to young children can make a profound difference, ensuring that children are healthy and ready to succeed in school.
     Each year Healthy Beginnings holds 13 screenings throughout Deschutes County with the help of its 400 professional volunteers. During the screenings, children birth through age five are offered a "12 point kid inspection" that assess the following: vision, dental, speech, infant & toddler development, concepts, hearing, social skills and behavior, nutrition, car seat safety, motor, and emergency preparedness.
     "Who wouldn't want to have 12 professionals tell them their child is wonderful," said Holly Remer, Healthy Beginnings Executive Director. "And if there are services that can help the child or family the program connects them to that important next step."
     After the screening is completed, Healthy Beginnings continues to help families by following up to see how things are going. Whether it's six weeks or six months, Healthy Beginnings makes sure parents and children have the support they need.
     Healthy Beginnings is one-of-a-kind in Oregon and there are only nine similar programs nationwide. It provides the most comprehensive assessment and referral service in our community, confirming the health and development of young children birth to age five and at no cost to the family. The free screenings determine whether a child is developing appropriately and can identify concerns that can go overlooked at regular check-ups.
     Since January 1994, the organization has continued to grow and has served just over 7,000 children in Deschutes County. The Healthy Beginnings screenings are not just designed for low income families, it's a program designed for all families with young children at no cost to those families. Parents are asked to call ahead for appointments. Often those located in Bend and Redmond are booked months in advance.
     Taking a moment to talk to the staff or even volunteers of Healthy Beginnings, community members will begin to understand why the program is so important. "We empower children and families," said Remer. "All parents face concerns and I have never met a parent who didn't want to do the right thing for their child."
    This is the second year Healthy Beginnings has been nominated.

Saving Grace
     Saving Grace, formerly known as Central Oregon Battering & Rape Alliance (COBRA), is the sole provider of services for domestic violence and sexual assault in Central Oregon. For over 32 years, Saving Grace has served the community of Bend and surrounding areas and promoted the value of living life free from violence.
     "People often don't understand that domestic violence is not a private issue," said Janet Huerta, Saving Grace Executive Director. "If we see it that way, more people would get hurt and killed. However, if we see it in terms of ‘Wow, my co-worker or employee is experiencing this,' then we can help them, and helping them just might save their life."
     Saving Grace not only provides a safe place with its 24-bed shelter, but also has a 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis counseling, court assistance, emergency transportation, community education and professional training, and a supervised visitation and safe exchange center, Mary's Place, for visits between parents and children involved in satiations of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, or stalking.
     "Saving Grace brings both an opportunity for people to be safe and live safely from the harmful relationships in their lives," said Huerta. "(This organization) brings forward the opportunity for the community to be caring and compassionate to their neighbors and their employees."
     Staff members provide leadership to all three counties' domestic violence councils, five state-wide domestic violence and sexual assault councils, and participate in 13 local in-county councils and task forces in order to influence societal changes so victim safety is prioritized and batterers are held accountable.
     Saving Grace's staff is also involved in various community affairs. The following is just a sample of their involvement: Homeless Leadership Council, Deschutes County Sex Offender Management Team, Child Abuse Task Force, and Family Access Network Advisory Council.
     Currently, Saving Grace has over 75 volunteer community members who provide upwards of 14,800 hours of time each year.
     Saving Grace plans to increase its presence within the community and above all, provide a safe place for victims of domestic violence to turn to.
     This is the second time Saving Grace has been nominated.