Kerri Lambert, left, was awarded the 2023 Byron Award by the Seaside Chamber of Commerce.

Anticipation built on the night of Feb. 1 at the Best Western Plus Ocean View Resort as the community gathered to celebrate the Seaside Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards.

Seven awards were given at the ‘80s rock-themed event, called “The Rockstars of Seaside.” Katie McCloud, the CEO of the chamber, and Ken Heman, of the Seaside Visitors Bureau, co-emceed the event.

The ceremony began with the Legacy Award, honoring local businesses over 10 years old. The award was given to Lum’s Auto Center, a family business that has been serving the community since the 1960s.

“Over the years, they’ve grown and expanded to more than 75 employees, four of which have celebrated over 40 years at this business,” McCloud said. “If that is not a testament to their legacy, those same employees participate monthly in the Pitchin’ In campaign, providing their own money to support local organizations.”

The Seaside Coffee House, a local nook that often hosts Seaside’s Coffee with the Mayor, won the Retail Excellence of the Year Award.

“It appears all locals have a daily meet here,” said Heman. “It’s interesting to see how time stops for a bit … Loved this place 10 years ago as a kid and now as an adult. The atmosphere is a sweet calm and the product is divine.”

The Cookie Jar, which opened downtown in the fall, won the Rising Star/New Business of the Year Award.

“This business was created by kids having a dream and their parents taking a chance on a new business venture to fund their kids’ college education,” McCloud said. “They started with no staff and one of the smallest storefronts. And like Dolly Parton said, this business stumbled to the kitchen, poured itself a cup of ambition, yawned and stretched and then the business came to life.”

Recognition of volunteer service began with the Community Impact Award. It was given to Community Service Officer Paul Knoch, who also serves as Seaside’s homeless liaison officer.

“When it comes to going the extra mile, this individual has run a marathon,” said Heman, adding that Knoch can often be found picking up trash and debris around town, connecting homeless individuals with resources and working with lost or abandoned animals.

The Seaside Community Emergency Response Team received the Volunteer of the Year Award. The volunteers raise emergency awareness and teach about preparedness and safety measures with events like the Great Oregon ShakeOut.

“Who are the faces behind this organization?” Mayor Steve Wright asked the audience. “Well, they’re people just like you and me. There’s a mayor there, EMTs, nurses, HAM operators, fire professionals, longtime locals, tech enthusiasts and teachers.

“It’s this diversity that makes them a formidable force, ready to tackle any challenge. In essence, they are more than just the team. They are ambassadors of training, education and community engagement.”

The Business of the Year Award went to Beach Books, a bookstore located on a corner of downtown Seaside.

The business, which won the 2022 Retail Excellence Award, first opened its doors in 2005.

“They hit every mark that Business of the Year strives for,” McCloud said. “Their customer service is top-notch. Their employees love the business and the incredible owner. Their marketing is some of the best in Seaside and they are incredibly involved in our community.”

McCloud presented the award to owner Karen Emmerling and manager Alexa Butler.

“I love bookselling,” Emmerling said. “I love our readers, I love our customers here.”

The Byron Award was presented by last year’s recipient, Michelle Hawken. The award honors a member of the Seaside community who has shown outstanding qualities and community service.

The chamber presented a montage of videos from community members thanking this year’s recipient, Kerri Lambert, for her impact.

“It’s the previous Byron recipients that come together and they choose this year’s Byron,” Hawken explained. “She had five nominations with pages of reasons as to why she should be this year’s Byron and she had so many votes.”

Lambert has worked in downtown Seaside since 2004, and has served on the Downtown Development Association and the Seaside Housing Task Force.

“I love this community,” Lambert said. “And you guys make it so easy to love.”