News Releases
News from
Lane Community College, Eugene, Oregon
Public information officer: Joan Aschim, (541) 463-5591, aschimj@lanecc.edu
Contact: Deb Jolda, Marketing Assistant, tel. (541) 463-4612, fax (541) 687-0627, e-mail JoldaD@lanecc.edu
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| From left: Jeff Laramee, Michael Henegar, Mary Ellen Riley, long-time Holly accountant Jill Foster, and Lane Community College Small Business Management Program Coordinator/Instructor Bill Klupenger |
Two area businesses received awards at the May 19 Seeds for Success Open House at the Lane Community College Business Development Center. |
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| From left: Lane MicroBusiness Program Director Shawn Winkler-Rios, Michael Kaszycki, and Annette Kaszycki |
For release May 19, 2005
Business of the Year winners announced
EUGENE, OR - Two area businesses received awards at the May 19 Seeds for Success Open House at the Lane Community College Business Development Center.
Owner Mary Ellen Riley accepted the Small Business of the Year award for Holly Residential Care Center, a long-term care facility for adults with severe disabilities. The business began with one client in Riley's home in 1981 and has grown steadily over the years to accommodate nearly 50 adults. Riley herself oversaw design and construction of the current cheerful, modern facility, filled with windows, brightly colored murals, and even rescued exotic birds, and prides her staff on the quality of care and personal involvement they are able to offer. Husband Michael Henegar is co-owner, and son Jeff Laramee is a key manager.
Riley is a graduate of the BizCenter's popular three-year Small Business Management program, and continues her involvement by acting as a business advisor, serving on the SBM advisory board, providing guest lectures, and teaching the BizCenter's 25-hour "Going into Business" class for first-year business owners. Son Jeff is also an SBM graduate.
"I appreciate her warmth, caring, and friendly smile," says SBM Coordinator/Instructor Bill Klupenger. "Mary Ellen seems to always have time to sit and talk, and, more importantly, listen. What a gift to the local business community!"
Fox Hollow Creek Nursery was honored with the BizCenter's first-ever Microenterprise of the Year Award. Owners Annette and Michael Kaszycki were selling plants at the Eugene Farmer's Market when they enrolled in Project Grow, the Lane MicroBusiness program for qualified businesses with one to four employees. The Kaszyckis have graduated to selling their many varieties of flowers, shrubs, and vegetables at a retail site at 27th and Friendly Streets, specializing in unique plants and personalized service. In his introduction, LMB Program Director Shawn Winkler-Rios praised the Kaszyckis' commitment and energy.
About 150 visitors were on hand to congratulate this year's winners, who were chosen based on a pattern of intelligent business growth, demonstrated success, and sustainability. Open House attendees were also treated to hors d'oeuvres, a live jazz performance by the Andrew Grimes Quartet, a BizCenter client mini-fair, door prizes, and networking opportunities.
The Lane Business Development Center and Employee Training is located at 1445 Willamette St., Suite 1, in Eugene. For more information contact Deb Jolda at (541) 463-4612.
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