Movers of Mountains Community Awards Celebration
Movers of Mountains Gala
The second Annual Mover of Mountains Gala is complete and was a smashing success - look for photos soon!
See the winners below!
We are also proud to be awarding the first-ever BACC Post High School Scholarships. Three $3000 scholarships will be awarded. Scholarship eligibility must meet one of the four following criteria:
- Beaverton School District graduate
- Beaverton resident
- Dependent of a current BACC member
- Employee of a current BACC member
that has graduated from high school or obtained their GED in 2022, 2023, or 2024. The scholarship must be used for post-high-school education.
Award Winners
In a world where greatness is measured by both deeds and character, we honor an individual whose life is an extraordinary tapestry of service and leadership.
As we celebrate a life of service, leadership, and profound impact, we honor a family whose legacy inspires us to reach for greatness and contribute meaningfully to the world.
We proudly announce the 2024 Living Legend Award Winner is the Biggi Family!!
Rose Merlo Biggi was brought to this country and Oregon, by her grandfather, David Reghetti, who was known as the Onion King of Washington County. In 1929, she bought her small farm as a young woman with three children and began growing, grinding and bottling horse radish to support them. Over the years, she slowly added more land growing the farm to 60 acres. All 60 acres are still owned by members of the Biggi family. In 1974, they ceased farming the 60 acres in Beaverton and began manufacturing horse radish. They built their manufacturing facility and began developing strip malls and office complexes. Rose Biggi died in 1985. Gino, one of her three children, stepped up to lead the company. Under his leadership the company expanded into making a wide variety of horseradish, mustards and other sauces. When Gino died in December of 2022, Dominic took the lead. Beaverton Foods has 100 employees making their signature horse radish and mustards, as well as manufacturing sauces for small companies under their labels. Products include Asian sauces, salsas, and dressings. They have about 100 food production clients. Small businesses that need a commercial kitchen and manufacturing operation to produce their products. 50-60% of these companies are are immigrant-owned businesses whose sales typically are at about $100k per year. Rose Biggi's own immigrant story lives on as Beaverton Foods helps these newcomers grow and prosper. Dominic, his brother, and sister own the food cart garden behind The Round on land that was part of their grandmother’s original farm, making it possible for another 31 small businesses to also grow and prosper.
Beaverton's Living Legend 2024
The Biggi Family
Purpose: We're excited to spotlight a standout Beaverton Area Chamber member whose consistent contributions have significantly shaped the chamber's success.
Criteria: This current, in-good-standing member has gone above and beyond, playing a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and success within the chamber. Beyond membership, they embody the chamber's values, actively working towards its mission and betterment of the community. As a trusted advocate, this individual promotes chamber initiatives, contributing to its growth and overall well-being.
Georgie Funk: Georgie has gone above and beyond with her contributions to the Chamber and the Community. Georgie has both chaired and served on multiple committees and also moved forward with numerous giving-back projects within the Beaverton Area. The amount of time and dedication put forth by Georgie, including being the first Chair of the Evolving Leaders and Gala committee show Georgie's drive and commitment to community. On top of this, always making her family a focus.
Purpose: We acknowledge a longstanding Beaverton Area Chamber member, a business that has consistently demonstrated social responsibility, enhancing community life and setting high standards for living and working in and around Beaverton.
Criteria: This company's commitment to social responsibility, upheld over at least three years of Chamber membership, has significantly contributed to the betterment of our community.
Madden Industrial Craftsmen: They have been a phenomenal partner with the chamber for years. From board service to event sponsorship they truly invest in the BACC. It's time we recognize them for all they do.
Purpose: We honor this Beaverton resident for their unwavering commitment to the community. Recognized for outstanding achievements outside of business, they have positively impacted the well-being of Beaverton in remarkable ways, especially in the last two years.
Criteria: Emphasizing recent accomplishments, this resident's dedication goes beyond business, making a significant impact on the community's well-being.
Monica Estrella: The Allen Boulevard District Plan, two years in the making, was drawn up by the city staff after extensive participation by residents such as Monica Estrella. She has lived in the area for most of the nine years she has been in Oregon. As a member of the city's Diversity Advisory Board, she has become an advocate for changes that residents seek. She has been a fierce advocate for the Beaverton community.
Purpose: We proudly recognize a small business (100 or fewer employees) for their significant contributions to our local economic growth. This award celebrates their successes and positive impact on our community.
Criteria: This esteemed business, a Beaverton Area Chamber member, has played a vital role in fostering local economic growth through their initiatives.
Syndicate Wine: Syndicate Wines exemplifies the essence of community-driven entrepreneurship, actively engaging in advocacy efforts and championing various causes vital to the growth and prosperity of downtown Beaverton. Through their unwavering commitment to hosting chamber events, speaking out on local initiatives, and fostering a sense of unity, Syndicate Wines cultivates a vibrant and inclusive environment. They are a well-deserving recipient of the small business award.
Purpose: Honor and commend a distinguished non-profit partner of the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding service to our community. This award aims to celebrate their achievements and the positive influence they have had on the well-being of our community.
Criteria: This prestigious recognition is reserved for a non-profit organization that is a valued member of the Beaverton Area Chamber. The recipient has played a pivotal role in serving the Beaverton community, demonstrating a commitment to making a meaningful impact and contributing to the betterment of the local area.
Domestic Violence Resource Center: The Domestic Violence Resource Center has been supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence in Beaverton since 1975. DVRC provides vital services and programs that truly make a difference in the lives of survivors and help keep the Beaverton community safe. Services provided include advocacy, adult counseling, child/teen counseling, one of the largest domestic violence specific shelter/housing programs in the state of Oregon and a 24/7 Crisis Line. DVRC provides all of its services confidentially and free of charge to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a life free from violence. In 2023, over 2,000 survivors were engaged in DVRC services. DVRC will remain a key resource for the community in 2024 and beyond.
Purpose: To recognize an individual who goes above and beyond their role to ensure public safety and enhance the well-being of the Beaverton community.
Criteria: Honoring police officers, firefighters, public servants, or any individual making exceptional strides in public safety, this award highlights those who consistently exceed expectations, whether in their paid positions or through voluntary efforts.
Michel Wilson: Officer Wilson dedicates her off-duty time to the Ladies in Blue Clothing Closet, which she founded in 2015. From planning, recruiting volunteers, to driving around the entire metro area picking up clothing donations, Officer Wilson really has embraced the concept of “Empowering women through Fashion and Friendship.” Additionally in 2023 I believe she was the first officer on scene who responded and saved a 2 year old child’s life from a fentanyl overdose. She should be recognized for her strength in the field as well as dedication to the community off duty.
Purpose: Recognizing an individual in Beaverton who excels in teaching, educating, instructing, counseling, or inspiring our youth.
Criteria: This award honors individuals demonstrating a unique ability to positively impact young lives through versatile mentorship, whether through teaching, coaching, instruction, or mentoring.
Louise Drow: Drow oversees the only high school automotive program in Oregon to hold Automotive Service Excellence certification, a credential that streamlines students' paths into professional garages. In 2003, Drow helped develop a half-day automotive technician program at Aloha High School. Today, that program draws 80 high school juniors and seniors from across the district, and Drow estimates 80% continue to further education or employment in the auto industry. Through SkillsUSA's auto skills competition — in which Drow once competed as a student in Arizona — Beaverton has finished in the top three in Oregon in 13 of the past 15 years. A majority of her students graduate with a job in line at dealerships and major automotive repair locations. Her commitment to training youth in a specific area not only boosts confidence and morale in a student but also prepares a young person with tools to make a difference in his/her life and society.
Purpose: To recognize an individual who gives of their time and talents to enhance the quality of life in Beaverton. Their work leaves a positive impact on those they help.
Criteria: Active volunteers dedicated to benefiting the Beaverton community, individuals who do not receive financial compensation for their efforts, demonstrated positive impact on the well-being and quality of life in the community, contributions that directly improve the local community, and sustained and consistent commitment to community service over time.
Joan Corcoran: Joan Corcoran has been a champion for The Reser since day one. Initially, Joan worked as a Front of House volunteer greeting and seating many newcomers as we opened our doors. During our inaugural cross-training program, Joan was one of the first to step up and was introduced to the gallery opportunities. Even though she stated she did not have galley experience, Joan jumped in to learn about our programs and has been instrumental in helping install exhibitions and assists with numerous administrative duties. She is an ambassador for all volunteers and brings the ‘can do’ attitude to share with all. She has spent countless hours (almost 400 in the gallery alone) assisting our small team to present world-class exhibitions. Singlehandedly, Joan has also helped create a strong social network between all volunteers and continues to help in countless ways. She is a strong advocate for the gallery, all the while maintaining service and support to our Front of House team and assisting with numerous Reser events. Joan is a wonderful asset to The Reser, always beaming with ear-to-ear smiles for all who come, and assisting with any task that comes her way. We are so lucky to have Joan be a part of The Reser family. Since opening March 2022, Joan has logged 545 hours (396 in the gallery and 149 in FOH), 284 of those hours are for this year alone. Joan is so happy to continuously be inspired and learn while sharing with the entire community. She truly has become a part of The Reser family.
Purpose: Celebrate and honor a young Beaverton resident who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the city and actively contributes to the well-being and future development of generations to come.
Criteria: The selected young person should exemplify remarkable achievements in the community, showcasing dedication and hard work. This could manifest as either being an outstanding student who generously volunteers time to assist community members or demonstrating exceptional skill and ability in a particular area through sustained effort and dedication. The aim is to recognize individuals who, through their actions, make the city proud and represent the positive potential of future generations contributing to the city's growth and prosperity.
Erica Griffiths: I am writing to highly recommend Erica Griffiths for recognition of the Beaverton Youth Achievement Award. In my role as a school counselor at Southridge High School, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Erica well over the last couple of school years, and I can confidently say that she is an exceptional student and an outstanding, kind individual. Academically, Erica has consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication and achieved an impressive 4.24 GPA. Her commitment to her studies is evident through her consistently high performance across various subjects and she has challenged herself by taking many rigorous IB courses over the years. Erica's intellectual curiosity and academic performance set her apart from her peers. She will graduate on the Honor Roll and be recognized as a Southridge Scholar - an award designed to honor academically well-rounded students who have pushed themselves to excel in a strong and challenging four-year educational program. Beyond her academic prowess, Erica possesses a genuine empathy for others that is noteworthy. She consistently displays kindness, compassion, and understanding towards her peers, teachers, and the community at large. Her ability to connect with people on a deeper level and understand their perspectives allows her to foster a positive and inclusive environment wherever she goes. Students and staff are better for knowing her. Erica's dedication to her studies is paralleled by her involvement in extracurricular activities. Despite her demanding academic schedule, she actively participates in various clubs and organizations, where she has made significant contributions. She is particularly proud of her involvement with the DECA Business Club where she quickly worked her way up to managing the school’s Hawk Hut Cafe. Erica credits her involvement with DECA for her increased confidence and discovering her innate ability to lead and manage people. Her leadership skills shine through as she takes on responsibilities and works collaboratively with her peers to serve the school community. Erica also volunteers at one of our feeder middle schools, is manager for the varsity tennis team and actively participates in a number of afterschool clubs. Over the years, I have witnessed Erica's growth as a communicator and advocate. She articulates her thoughts and ideas with clarity and confidence. Erica is an active listener who values the opinions and perspectives of others. Her ability to effectively communicate and advocate for herself and others will make her an invaluable asset to any team or organization she becomes a part of. In conclusion, I could not give a higher recommendation for Erica Griffiths to be considered for this award. Her exceptional academic achievements, coupled with her kindness, unwavering work ethic, and strong leadership skills make her a standout candidate. I have no doubt that Erica will continue to excel and make meaningful contributions to her community, consistently making a positive impact on everyone around her.
Purpose: To recognize and honor Military Service individuals (active or retired) in Beaverton who, in addition to their military duties, generously contribute their time and talents to enhance the community's quality of life. Their voluntary efforts have a positive impact on the lives of those they assist.
Criteria: Military Service individuals eligible for recognition must be either active duty or retired. Furthermore, they should not be receiving compensation for the specific contributions being acknowledged. This ensures that the recognition is directed towards their voluntary and unpaid community efforts, separate from their military service responsibilities.
Jonathan Burkhart: There is a lot of glory to being the creator of a large event - there is far less being the primary executor of plans, whims, and creative ideas. For going on 8 years now, Jon Burkhart has been the spine of Pride Beaverton and the amazing event that it has become. Behind the scenes, Jon makes sure that every guest is safe, communicated with and that there are plans for emergencies, weather, and more. From building the props to picking up the trash, if there is a job to do to make the day of Pride in Beaverton better, Jon has done it without complaint and done it well. As a straight, white male, you mightn't expect the sensitivity and inclusionary mindset that Jon has, but years in the Navy taught Jon that every person has something important to contribute and that all people are valuable. Jon speaks to the military community and welcomes them to be themselves and enjoy Pride (not something historically easy to do) as well as educates ex-military members how to relate to their LGBTQIA+ children and family. There are not enough thanks to offer Jon for his invaluable contributions to making Pride Beaverton what it is today.