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The Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) 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 service and contributions to their community, was presented to Utti during a banking industry event held on Dec. 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 4H 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.
Utti's optimistic vision for Seaside and Clatsop County drives his work in housing and property development, and his partnership with Lewis & Clark Bank underscores his values of efficiency and simplicity in business. Inspired by his father's enduring curiosity, Utti continues to ask "What if?"-turning possibilities into realities that benefit his businesses, employees, and the community he cherishes.
Mark Utti was nominated for the Community Applause Award by Jack Ficken, relationship manager at the Astoria branch of Lewis & Clark Bank. In his nomination, Ficken stated, "Mark Utti reflects the best of our community. Born and raised in Clatsop County, he deeply understands what matters most to the people who live here. Whether supporting schools, 4H, the Chamber, or the Seaside community, Mark is always the first to step up, offering unwavering dedication and making a lasting impact. That's why I proudly nominated him for the Community Applause Award."
As part of the award, OBA provided Utti with a $1,000 check payable to Seaside High School in his honor. Utti is matching the $1,000 donation to form a college or vocational scholarship for the school's students. He has committed to continuing the $2,000 scholarship into perpetuity. The OBA also produced a videoabout Utti, his businesses and the work he has done to uplift the Seaside community.
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