SYSCO President Honored at Annual Industry Awards Ceremony
Scott Sonnemaker named “Purveyor of the Year”
[Sunriver] – President of SYSCO Portland Scott Sonnemaker was named “Purveyor of the Year” at the Oregon Restaurant Association/Oregon Lodging Association Annual Industry Awards of Distinction Gala in Sunriver. The ceremony emphasized the important role hospitality businesses play as a cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities, and their communities.
Sonnemaker earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 1985 and an MBA from the University of Denver in 1996. Scott was a lieutenant in the United States Navy and held several sales and managerial positions at Mobil Chemical Company prior to joining SYSCO Corporation in 1996 as Director of Merchandising, Disposables.
In 1998 he transferred to SYSCO Food Services of Portland as Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing and progressed to Senior Vice President of Sales in 1999. In 2000 Scott was promoted to Executive Vice President and assumed his present position as President & CEO in 2001.
Sonnemaker has served on the board of the Oregon Restaurant Association (ORA) since 2003. His leadership at SYSCO has been an important part of the Association’s efforts and he plays a significant role in many industry initiatives through ORA.
The “Purveyor of the Year” designation is awarded to an individual who has been active in the association, made contributions to the industry as well as the community, is considered a successful operator, and who’s business ethics are above reproach. This award is given to a purveyor or service provider who, in the course of doing business, has significantly assisted the growth and success of Oregon’s restaurant industry and its members and stands out as a model purveyor. Past recipients include Dick Boyd of Boyd Coffee Company and Rob Maletis of Maletis Beverage.
The “Awards of Distinction” also honored Ed Pfannmuller as “Restaurateur of the Year.”
For a description of the awards and further information on each award winner, contact Elizabeth Peters at Elizabeth@ora.org or (971) 224-1509.
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The Oregon Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry in Oregon, which is comprised of over 9,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets, a work force of 120,000 employees, and a total economic impact of $9.7 billion - making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. The Association works to represent educate and promote the rapidly growing industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ora.org.
