Florence honors local leaders at 19th annual Siuslaw Awards

Florence’s business and civic leaders filled the Florence Events Center on June 18 for the 19th annual Siuslaw Awards, a James Bond-inspired evening billed as “License to Lead.” Several hundred guests gathered for the 5:30 to 9 p.m. celebration, where the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce recognized organizations and individuals it says are strengthening Florence and the surrounding region through service, creativity, entrepreneurship and community investment.

The evening’s honorees reflected a broad slice of the local economy. Oregon Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic received the Rookie Agent Award for quickly establishing itself as a newer business. Our Coastal Village, Inc. won the Q’s Innovation Award, while Three Rivers Casino Resort earned the Double O Impact Award for community investment. Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool received the Operation Heartbeat Award, and BeauxArts Fine Art Materials was named Business of the Year. Steven Price was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, Igor Kusznirczuk received the Outstanding Ambassador Award, and Brooklyn Beecher was awarded the Chamber Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship.

Bettina Hannigan, the chamber’s president and CEO, said the awards are meant to recognize remarkable people and organizations whose dedication, innovation and service help the community thrive. In a city of 9,396 residents, based on the 2020 census, that kind of recognition carries unusual weight: the same businesses that sponsor youth programs, employ neighbors and serve visitors are also helping define Florence’s public identity.

That matters in a place where the local economy is closely tied to tourism and visitor spending across Lane County. Travel Lane County says the visitor industry supported 1 in 9 jobs countywide in 2024 and generated more than $1.1 billion in direct visitor spending. The chamber also says it works with the City of Florence through RAIN Catalysts to support entrepreneurs and local business growth, linking the awards to a wider push for economic resilience beyond a single season of visitor traffic.

The ceremony also signaled continuity in Florence’s civic leadership. The chamber introduced its 2026/27 board of directors, and the awards continued a tradition that dates back at least to the 15th annual Siuslaw Awards in 2021, when the chamber honored nine businesses, two individuals and an entire industry. Year after year, the event has become one of Florence’s clearest public stages for naming who is shaping the city’s next chapter.