Chamber of Commerce award honors business alumnus
September 23, 2009
Salem’s Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards luncheon at the Salem Convention Center on Monday. Abbey Carpet Care, owned and operated by Corban alumnus Shawn Abbey (’86), was recognized as the 2009 Small Business of the Year.
Abbey was surprised by the award. Later on Monday he said, “I’m still off the planet right now! I’m really honored.”
The Chamber’s Director of Public Affairs, Jason Brandt, said, “Shawn has taken a lead role in the business community locally. He has been very active in the Salem Chamber and through his participation shows how supportive he is of local business.”
Brandt mentioned Abbey’s involvement in the Greeters program and as a past chair of this weekly networking event. “It is a major commitment,” Brandt said.
Other city endeavors for Abbey have included being past chair of the Chamber’s Ambassadors, a structured-volunteer program responsible for event coordination; Abbey has received the Ambassador of the Quarter Award. He is also President of the PGE Festival of Lights Holiday Parade. Additionally, the Chamber noted Abbey Carpet Care’s strength in customer service and building relationships with clients.
President Reno Hoff said, “When I was full-time faculty, I had Shawn Abbey as a student. He had an entrepreneurial spirit in our business classes, and I could tell that he would do very well as an independent business person.”
Professor of Accounting Bryce Bernard said, “Shawn’s been a tremendous example of a Corban grad. He’s one of those really reputable guys. I’ve never heard a complaint about his work.”
Abbey served as Corban’s Director of Admissions for several years following his graduation. Today, besides contracting to clean Corban’s carpets, Abbey shows support for the College by hiring Corban students and graduates as they “use us as a stepping stone to launch their careers,” he said.
For example, Kelsey (Smith) Shroyer (’09) has recently secured a position at a CPA firm; therefore, she has resigned as Abbey Carpet Care’s Office Manager. Joe Greenwood (’06), former Corban ASB President, will take her place in the office while continuing his education. Abbey employs an additional three from Corban at present.
“We’re always ready to hire Corban students,” he expressed. “They always have integrity, reliability and a Spirit-filled life. They’re the ones who are glorifying God out in the community.”
Abbey concluded, “My reaction to this award is really a big thanks to all the guys who work on our team and put a good face on our business.”
Abbey, who is married to alumna Sharon (Roden) Abbey (’88), has 4 children and is an active member of Salem Heights Church, playing guitar for the worship team. He also enjoys the outdoors.
At the same Chamber event Monday, Business of the Year was awarded to Arbuckle Costic Architects. Corban partnered with Arbuckle Costic in 2008 to design its library.
By Jenny Hirschfelder, Staff Writer, Office of Marketing & Communications
503-375-7005 | jhirschfelder@corban.edu
