New Council will hit the ground running…
Wednesday’s double city council meetings were largely ceremonial, but when the new Mayor and Council meet again, they’ll have plenty of work to do. City Manager Jacque Betz says they’ll gather for two meetings next week.
200 – “Next week they’ll be doing interviews for our vacant city committees that we have, and that’ll be on the 9th and 10th.”
Those meetings will be held in the evenings, but the third time they gather next week; things will take a little longer.
201 – “Goal setting session that will be an all day event which will be open to the public.”
Betz said the goal setting will be on Saturday the 12th of January at the Florence Events Center; and while it will be open to anyone who wishes to attend there will be no public participation.
***
Nominees for the six different categories that make up the Siuslaw Business Awards have been announced. Three nominees have been identified as in the running for the Stu Johnston Business of the Year: The Siuslaw News; Tony’s Garage; and Sea Lion Caves.
Four nominees were put up for Excellence in Customer Service: Western Lane Ambulance; Siuslaw Broadband; Backstreet Gallery; Tony’s Garage; and Dutch Bros.
There are three nominees for the Community Caring; four in the Greener category; and one for Curb Appeal.
Six different groups have been nominated for the Non-Profit Achievement Award.
Something new this year, all nominees must belong to the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and submit an “acceptance essay”. The winners will be announced at the Siuslaw Awards and First Citizen banquet January 16th.
For 6 years, the Siuslaw Business Awards have recognized leaders within Florence’s business community. With nominations submitted from the community, this award is truly a prestigious marker of achievement. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2012 nominees.
There are six categories for business awards this year. The first, Community Caring Award, will go to a business that supports non-profits and projects that enhance the community. The nominees for this award are Three Rivers Casino & Hotel and The Siuslaw News.
Next, the Green Business Award: will go to a business that has made a conscious effort to become “greener” and has made a contribution to saving energy. The nominees are; Driftwood Shores, Morgan’s Country Kitchen, Three Rivers Casino & Hotel and Central Coast Disposal.
The Non-Profit Achievement Award will go to a non-profit organization that demonstrates good stewardship of donor dollars and sound business practices while meeting commitment to its organization mission. The nominees are Siuslaw Outreach Services, Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County, Friends of Florence Events Center, Relay for Life of Florence, Florence Area Humane Society and Soroptomist International.
The Excellence in Customer Service award will go to a business that is dedicated to outstanding customer service and satisfaction in all aspects of sales and services. The nominees for this year are Siuslaw Broadband, Backstreet Gallery, Western Lane Ambulance, Tony’s Garage and Dutch Bros. Coffee.
The Curb Appeal award will go to a business that strives to maintain a physically attractive business. The nominee is Oregon Pacific Bank.
The final award is the Stu Johnston Business of the Year Award. This prestigious award will go to a business that has demonstrated long-term or significant business success and has shown strong and active community involvement. The nominees are The Siuslaw News, Tony’s Garage and Sea Lion Caves.
In order to be considered for the nominations business are required to be a member of the Florence Chamber and submit an acceptance essay. Participating nominees and winners will be recognized at the Siuslaw Awards Dinner on January 16th, 2013 at 6pm held at the Florence Events Center. Tickets are $29 and include dinner.
***
Wildlife officials are still not sure why, but Brown Pelicans have become more of a year round resident of the Oregon Coast instead of making the annual migration flight south to the warmer climate of California to breed. While they attract the attention of humans, they are also more vulnerable to handouts, which could kill them. The Brown Pelican swoops over the ocean, bays and estuaries to scoop up live fish within its distinctive and color large bills. That’s their diet, not potato chips, popcorn, hotdogs or other human food. Staying year round; however, exposes the Brown Pelican to colder, rougher weather and makes them more prone to seek handouts from humans. Injured Brown Pelicans are normally captured and transported to the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. The rehabilitation facility is located in Astoria.
Four statewide officials who were elected in November will be sworn in to office today by Gov. John Kitzhaber at the Capitol.
Starting their terms Monday will be Secretary of State Kate Brown, State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian.
The Statesman Journal reports this is the first time since 1947 that four statewide officials will take their oaths at the same ceremony.
State lawmakers will take their oaths Jan. 14 when the Legislature opens.
