Commissioner Nyquist receives Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award
ALBANY — Linn County Commissioner and Greater Albany Public Schools Board member Roger Nyquist received the Legacy Award at the annual Albany Chamber of Commerce awards banquet Saturday, March 9 at the Boys & Girls Club.
Presenter Susie Orsborn, Executive Director of Human Resources for GAPS, called Nyquist a childhood friend who lives up to poet Maya Angelou’s philosophy “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy, make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”
The Legacy Award is presented to the person who has devoted many years of service to the community and in Nyquist’s case, Linn County.
Orsborn said Nyquist has devoted himself as a school board member, but he also distinguished himself as an ardent supporter of all things good for young people. When his brother was a successful West Albany football coach, Nyquist spent 15 years as the team’s “most prominent ball boy.”
He provided sideline heaters for players on cold nights, paid for players to attend camp, fed kids who were hungry, hosted them at the bowling alley and when a family lost everything in a house fire, he paid for motel rooms to give them shelter, Orsborn said.
Nyquist was recognized as the community’s Junior First Citizen in 1999.
Numerous people wrote letters of support for Nyquist’s recognition.
Chamber of Commerce President Janet Steele praised Nyquist for his first-hand knowledge of business. His parents bought Lake Shore Lanes bowling alley in 1965, when he was 5 years old. He eventually took over ownership and has grown the business into a successful multi-entertainment venue.
“You have become a deeply trusted friend and ally,” Steele noted. “You have been a mentor, a confidant, an influencer and most of all a respected leader that I can call on anytime. Through the years you have given us your very best.”
Former State Rep. Andy Olson called Nyquist a “true leader” who adheres to the philosophy to “stay humble, ignore noise and protect the team.”
“It is such a benefit having a business owner and leader as a County Commissioner,” said Karla Chambers, co-owner of Stahlbush Island Farms. “Understanding how the economy works is essential. Your vision of how a thriving economy aligns with the business community is refreshing.”
Fellow Commissioner Will Tucker said that although their viewpoints don’t always align, “you still support the conversation and vote to do the right thing for Linn County. You take the heat, you stand by your vote and you stand for what you believe is right.”
Fellow Commissioner Sherrie Sprenger praised Nyquist for his “dedication to serving Linn County citizens over the years has been unwavering” especially as an advocate for family owned businesses.
Former Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller said Nyquist is “the absolute best and most effective Linn County Commissioner that has held that office. You never lost sight of who you have been elected to serve — the citizens of Linn County, and as a citizen of this county, for that I am forever grateful.”
Clearly humbled by the honor, Nyquist said he learned about running a small business and treating others with respect from his parents.
“They bought the bowling center in 1965, when I was 5 years old and that ignited my passion for helping small businesses,” Nyquist said. “I am also lucky to have a job where I am inspired daily by the kindness and character of this community.”
Nyquist talked about the Santiam Canyon wildfires of September 2020, when the county turned the Fair & Expo Centers into an emergency shelter for both people and animals. He was overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and community members who donated pallets of water, food, clothing and much more.
At one time, more than 900 animals — from chickens and goats to horses — were housed at the facility and Nyquist half-joked that state Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis knew nearly all of their names after the first day. Local farmers and ag stores donated tons of hay and feed.
He thanked Janet Steele and all of the paid staff and volunteers who make the Albany Chamber of Commerce so effective. He also thanked his wife Christie, daughter Jenna and son Ryan, with whom he shared the evening.
Nyquist said managing Linn County is a team effort. He recognized fellow Commissioners Will Tucker and Sherrie Sprenger as well as County Clerk Marcie Richey, Public Health Director Todd Noble and former County Administrative Officer Ralph Wyatt, who were all in attendance.
Nyquist congratulated his fellow award recipients, adding, “It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve all of you.”
Also recognized Saturday evening were:
Distinguished Service Award: Roberta White.
Jim Linhart First Citizen: Kevin Fandrem.
Junior First Citizen: Alex Patterson.
Small Business of the Year: Country Financial — Christine Morford.
Large Business of the Year: North Albany IGA Supermarket.
Distinguished Student of the Year: Brayden McKay.
