The bad weather didn’t keep this hearty group of businesspeople from having a good time. Catch up right here on what’s happening with this group…
Music provided by the Parkrose High School Debonaires is a tradition at the Parkrose Business Association’s year-end event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Members of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) honored several of their own for their outstanding work and participation during 2008, celebrated at a holiday event, and were filled in on the state of their organization, at their December and January meetings.
This year, PBA members held their holiday event on December 13. As has been the tradition, the Parkrose High Debonairs serenaded members and guests during the no-host cocktail reception in the atrium of the Holiday Inn Airport.
No one went away hungry – diners agreed the food was delicious and plentiful.
Before they sat down for a gourmet buffet dinner in the Salon, members bid on a variety of services and items offered in a silent auction. The auction brought in a total of $1,314.
PBA Awards presented
Following the dinner, several members were presented with awards to recognize their service to the organization during the year.
LeeAnn Bruner of LA Signs accepts a special award from Marcia Lee, outgoing Parkrose Festival & Cruise-in chair.
Marsha Lee presents David Ableidinger of Parkrose hardware his own Festival trophy award.
After seven years of working with the Parkrose Cruise-in – and last year’s Festival – Marsha Lee announced that she was stepping down as the event’s chairperson.
Before she did so, Lee took time to honor two individuals who she said were “an integral part of the event for each of the seven years.” First, LeeAnn Bruner of LA Signs was called forward, and then David Ableidinger of Parkrose Hardware. Both were presented special awards.
President’s Awards
Next up was PBA’s outgoing president, Michael Taylor, who gave two special awards to members whom he said “stepped up and did even more than they were asked to” for the association and at their sponsored events.
2008 PBA President Michael Taylor of ACE Academy presents Terry Brier of Davey Organicare the President’s Award.
Michael Taylor presents Joe Dowd of Junk Away Hauling the President’s Award.
2008 Artie Johnson Award
Last year’s Artie Johnson Award winner, Marcia Lee, introduces the 2008 awardee, Wayne Stoll of Argay Square/Century Associates.
Marsha Lee stepped up and announced that Wayne Stoll, with Argay Square/Century Associates, would be named as the 2008 Artie Johnson Award winner. “The Artie Johnson Award symbolizes selfless dedication and a high level of dedication to the organization,” Lee said.
For the first time that many could recall, Stoll was speechless. Regaining his composure, he told the group that the lady for whom the award is named meant a great deal to him when he first joined the PBA, and until her passing.
“Wayne, this organization appreciates all that you do,” Lee said, “just as you appreciated those same qualities that you found in Artie.”
Karl Lind Award
Michael Taylor presents Rex Hollingsworth the 2008 Karl Lind Award.
As is the organization’s tradition, the 2008 Karl Lind Award was presented by the previous year’s recipient, Michael Taylor.
The Karl F. Lind Award is given to a member of the community who has given countless hours of volunteer time, is known for personal integrity, and has become an integral part of the Parkrose community.
Taylor called up Rex Hollingsworth, with Rex Heating and Air Conditioning, saying, “Rex has been a tremendous supporter in the Parkrose community. His contributions toward our foundation’s scholarships include sponsoring the Parkrose Festival, and the Cruise-in for many years – providing money, time, and energy, and helping out in so many ways.”
As Hollingsworth received his award, he announced that he would again be the Event Sponsor for the 2009 Parkrose Festival. His wife, Debbie, won the 50/50 drawing, and proved to be as generous as her husband; she donated her winnings to the Parkrose Foundations Scholarship Program.
Outgoing PBA VP Michael Taylor gets the President’s Gavel award from past president, Mark Eves.
New PBA president named
PBA Past President Mark Eves, of Eves & Wade LLP, called up Michael Taylor. He reminded the group that 2008 started with Michael Taylor as the PBA’s Vice President, but he was asked to take on presidential duties soon after the year began.
“Mike, you’ve fulfilled the duties of the office of President most admirably. We thank you,” Eves said as he gave Taylor the Outgoing President’s Gavel award.
Michael Taylor welcomes the organization’s president for 2009, Wayne Stoll.
With that, Michael Taylor announced that Wayne Stoll would return as the PBA president for 2009.
“It is an honor to represent – and, honestly, to brag about – the PBA to City officials, and folks from other business associations,” Stoll said. “It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of people like four-time PBA president Bob Brown. The fact that members stay, and are willing to be president more than one time, shows that there are some good vibes going on here.”
Introducing the 2009 PBA officers: President Wayne Stoll, Century Associates; VP David Walmer, Quality Inns & Suites; Secretary Mary Brown, Bob Brown Tires; and, Treasurer Marsha Lee, Copy Express.
Guests are welcome at the PBA
Come meet the members at their next meeting. It’s is on February 19 at 11:30 a.m. at their new location, Holiday Inn Airport, 8439 NE Columbia Boulevard (in the hotel building, around the back at the Flirt’s entrance – not the Convention Center next door). For more information, see their web site: www.parkrosebusiness.org.
© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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