Congratulations to Lynn Snodgrass, CEO of Gresham, Ore.-based Drake’s 7 Dees Garden Center. She has been selected by the Portland Business Journal as an Orchid Awards finalist for “Business Owner of the Year” in the medium/small business category. The awards, which honor the achievements of leading Portland-area businesswomen, are given as part of the 2009 Women in Business Expo, Thursday, April 23 at the Oregon Convention Center.

“Lynn Snodgrass has certainly been a leader in our community,” said Craig Wessel, publisher of the Portland Business Journal. “In addition to her public service as a state representative for three terms, Drake’s Garden Center is such a well operated family business.”

Lynn and her husband, Drake, have successfully operated Drake’s 7 Dees since the early 1970s. She serves as CEO of the garden center, while he serves as CEO of the landscaping end of the business. Lynn has served as a school board member, teacher and classroom volunteer. She served as State Representative of Oregon House District 10, and speaker of the Oregon House. She’s also been a leader in community service projects and organizations, including SnowCap, an organization that gives food to those in need; Oregon Association of Nurseries; Gresham Chamber of Commerce; Rockwood Business Association; Habitat for Humanity and the Mt. Hood Medical Foundation, where she served as president.

The Orchid Awards, held annually, recognize 25 prominent Portland-area business women. From the list of 25, six or seven are singled out for their achievements in different business sectors: large business, medium or small business, non-profit and entrepreneur. The Las Vegas-themed celebration and networking event will feature over 45 exhibitor booths, wine, hors d’oeuvres and music by Karla Harris. You can buy tickets at the event Web site.