Community Applause Awards

The Community Applause Awards, co-sponsored by the Oregon Bankers Association, Independent Community Banks of Oregon and OregonBusiness magazine since 1996, are an excellent way for Oregon banks to acknowledge the efforts of business customers that play a significant role in community activities. A winner is selected annually in two size categories - less than 50 employees and 50 or more employees - and is awarded a commemorative plaque and a $1,000 donation to a non-profit community organization of their choice. The businesses are also featured in a full-page ad in Oregon Business magazine.

Who can nominate a business for the Community Applause Awards?
Any employee of an OBA/ICBO member bank.

What kind of business can be nominated?
Any legitimate for-profit business in Oregon can be nominated in either the "less than 50 employees" category or the "50 or more employees" category.

How does one make a nomination?
There is a pdf version of the nomination form that can be obtained by clicking here (requires Adobe Acrobat), or a banker may contact the OBA at 503-581-3522 or office@oregonbankers.com to obtain a hard copy of the form.

What is the deadline for submitting a nomination?
The nomination deadline for 2009 has passed. Please check back in September 2010 for nomination information on the 2010 Community Applause Awards.

Congratulations 2009 Winners!

Musgrove Family Mortuary (less than 50 employees) Watch the video...
Gresham Ford (50 or more employees) Watch the video...

The Oregon Bankers Association, in partnership with the Independent Community Banks of Oregon and OregonBusiness magazine, are pleased to announce that Musgrove Family Mortuary and Gresham Ford are the recipients of the 2009 Community Applause Awards.

During the OBA/ICBO Annual Directors & Officers Winter Conference, OBA President and CEO Linda Navarro presented a commemorative plaque to representatives from both companies who also each received $1,000 to be donated to a non-profit organization of their choice. Musgrove Family Mortuary's donation went to Courageous Kids. Gresham Ford selected SnowCap Community Charities. The award ceremony also included a video presentation about each award recipient.

Nominated by Nancy Kinnard, vice president of business relationships at Summit Bank, Musgrove Family Mortuary won in the Business with less than 50 employees category.

Since its founding in 1883, Musgrove Family Mortuary has been dedicated to compassionate, responsible service to the families of Lane County. The family-owned and operated mortuary has been a part of the local community for four generations. Mark and Jeff Musgrove inherited the Mortuary from their father, Wayne.

The principals of Musgrove Family Mortuary have provided leadership and fundraising for many local charitable organizations, especially those with a focus on family and children. They have developed a culture of giving to the community within their business. The list of organizations assisted by the 49 members of Musgrove Mortuary family includes over 50 local groups and eight area communities.

"In times of need and in times of plenty, Musgrove Family Mortuary has made it their calling to help develop their community through their many acts of kindness and compassion," said Nancy Kinnard of Summit Bank.

Gresham Ford won in the Business with more than 50 employees category, and was nominated by Casey Ryan, vice president and branch manager of Riverview Community Bank.

When Bess Wills took over management of Gresham Ford seven years ago, it was clear that it would not be business as usual for this local car dealership. By becoming directly involved in organizations and events, the dealership and its employees have developed a strong connection to their local community.

For Bess Wills, general manager of the dealership, and for her staff at Gresham Ford, community giving means more than just writing a check. In the past three years, Bess and her 60 employees have involved the dealership in dozens of local causes - giving their time and resources as well as money. The dealership has been a vehicle to help raise nearly one million dollars for local churches and charities.

"Gresham Ford has proven that a business can enrich a community through dedicated philanthropy and selfless volunteerism. The Greater Gresham Area and the State of Oregon are better because of Gresham Ford's dedication to truly being a Dealer with a Heart," said Casey Ryan of Riverview Community Bank.