In his opening remarks at the Austin Family Business Program Excellence in Family Business Awards, Oregon State University President Ed Ray noted how the family enterprises being honored all made a point to maintain strong traditions.
“Tonight’s horonorees reflect a vibrant sense of the importance of strong family roots,” Ray said.
From Atiyeh Oriental Rugs, which started in 1900 and only five years later advertised itself as “Portland’s Permanent Rug Store,” to the Anderson Family Farm of Ellensburg, Wash., which started in 2011, each family found success in applying a set a values which reflects the spirit of each family.
The ceremony, held Thursday Nov. 15 at the Governor Hotel in Portland, coincided with Governor John Kitzhaber’s proclamation of Nov. 15 as Family Business Day in the state of Oregon.
Honorees came from a variety of backgrounds and industries, including real estate, agriculture, waste disposal, wineries and even kite manufacturing.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists:
Dean’s Award for Family Business Leadership
Atiyeh Oriental Rugs of Portland
Micro Family Business (nine or fewer employees)
Coelho Winery of Amity
Andersen Family Farms of Ellensburg, Wash.
Small Family Business (10-24 employees)
Winner: Fruithill, Inc. of Yamhill
Finalists: Twelve-Mile Disposal Service of Portland, Gomberg Kite Productions International of Lincoln City
Medium Family Business (25-99 employees)
Winner: Melvin Mark Companies of Portland.
Finalists: Alan Brown Tire Center of Newport, Musgrove Family Mortuaries of Eugene.
Large Family Business (100+ employees)
Winner: Generations, LLC. of Portland
Finalists:Ulven Companies of Hubbard, Capitol Auto Group of Salem
Faculty Award
Bobby Garrett, assistant professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at Oregon State University.
Student Award Winner
Christopher Thompson, a recent College of Business graduate who joined his family firm, TEC Equipment, Inc.