COMMUNITY APPLAUSE AWARD T he Oregon Bankers Association, in partnership with Oregon Business magazine, has announced that Mark Utti of Seaside, Oregon is the recipient of the 2024 Community Applause Award. The Community Applause Award, which is given to an Oregon business in acknowledgment of their significant contributions to their community, was presented to Utti during a banking industry event held on December 9 in Eugene. Founded in 1996, the Community Applause Award is a competition in which banks doing business in Oregon nominate a business customer that gives back to their community in significant ways. An independent panel of judges carefully reviews each nomination and votes on the winner. Since the award’s inception, 47 Oregon businesses have been recognized, including this year’s honoree. Utti is a dynamic entrepreneur from Oregon’s northern coast who exemplifies the transformative power of curiosity and opportunity. Raised in Astoria, Utti was inspired by his father, Tom, a self-made businessman who taught him to see potential where others saw challenges. Today, Utti channels that same "What if?" mindset into leading 12 thriving businesses across industries like hospitality, entertainment, property development, and retail, all while contributing to the vibrant growth of his community. Tourists to Seaside will recognize many of Utti’s enterprises, which include Fascination Roll’em!, Finns Fish House, Funland, Fultano’s Pizza Bowl, Fultano’s Pizza, Oceans Vending & Amusements, Pacific North Catering, Pacific North Event & Tent Rentals, Phillips Candies of Seaside, Sisu Brewing Co., The Beacon on Broadway Event Space and Twisted Fish Steakhouse. Utti’s impact extends far beyond his businesses. He employs close to 300 people year-round, taking time to personally support their milestones, like graduations and 4-H events. His philanthropic efforts include offering a full-ride scholarship to Clatsop Community College, funding youth sports through Seaside Kids, and donating to causes important to his employees. His commitment is quiet but profound, ensuring that his community prospers alongside his ventures. 30 Winter 2025 • BANKING MATTERS
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=