Chamber Recognizes Community Achievements

Friday night was a time for looking back and recognizing accomplishments, and looking ahead to new horizons.

The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards Banquet Friday, recognizing new businesses, community support and numerous other businesses and individuals who have supported the Chamber and the Cheyenne County Community. The celebration was held at the Sidney Elks Club. The theme of this year's Award's Banquet is "Viva Cheyenne County." As such, there were several casino games available after the awards portion of the night. Each person attending the night was issued a token to be exchanged for chips to be played at the tables.

Prior to the steak and chicken dinner, supporters spent time networking and bidding on Silent Auction items. Offerings ranged from lunch gift certificates to game day at a Colorado Rockies game or Denver Broncos preseason game.

The New Business of the Year award recipient is Medical Air Rescue Company (MARC). Since announcing their move to Sidney, MARC has been active in community events throughout the county. The company has purchased a home that acts as an office and staff housing.

Shannon Odeit, MARC Base Manager in Sidney, said the company quickly sensed the value of Sidney.

"We've really begun to feel the pride in Sidney," he said after he and the staff received the award. "Now we call it our home."

The business recognized for Outstanding Customer Service is Sidney Floral & Gifts.

"I didn't do it without all my awesome customers," owner Kim Johnson said.

Wendall Gaston is the Citizen of the Year award recipient. Gaston served on the Sidney City Council for more than 16 years. Sidney Mayor Roger Gallaway accepted the award in Gaston's absence.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving," Gallaway said.

The Business Revitalization Award goes to Triple O's Building Supply. Triple O moved from their north Sidney location to the former Foster Lumber facility, 2467 Fort Sidney Road. The award was accepted by co-owner Sean Doyle.

The Economic Development Project of the Year award goes to Agri-Plastics USA, LLC. Agri-Plastics is a Canadian company who brought part of its operation to Sidney, manufacturing calf shelters. The company moved to Sidney in 2017, taking the east end of the Lukjan building. The award was presented to Plant Manager Bruce Thies. Thies thanked the company and the ownership for moving to Sidney.

Sidney Economic Director Melissa Norgard received the Community Leader Award. Norgard was recognized for her work in recruiting new businesses to the Sidney area.

"I'm truly humbled, honored," Norgard said.

She recognized City Manager Ed Sadler for hiring her as economic development director.

"I'm truly lucky to be part of the city government," she said. "I know there are great things in store for 2019."

The Community Impact Award was presented to Western Nebraska Community College. WNCC has become a supporter of business with its Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. The center allows qualified entrepreneurs to develop their business within the college program, with the assistance of staff and existing programs, for two years.

"If you look at all of the people in this room and all of the success we've had, it is because of the people," said Paula Abbott, Sidney Campus Director.

She listed three businesses currently located in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship department: attorney Jeff Shoemaker, counselor Nichole Peralta and NexGen Outfitters.

Shelby Price is the recipient of the Heroes Among Us award. Price has the title of Sidney High School Attendance, but she is more than that. She is also known for organizing Unified Raiders and other programs benefitting students.

"I am honored to received this award," she said. "I would be who I am if I didn't work where I do," she said.

She said she was given the work ethic to get things done, and she takes what she has learned and applies them to empowering students.

John Phillips was recognized as Ambassador of the Year.

Steve Wolff, former chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors, was awarded the Ralph Olson Board Member of the Year award. Viaero Wireless was presented the Supporter of the Year award for its support of Downtown Sounds Concert Series. The Edna Anderson Award was given to Jordan Ball for his impact on the community. He was recognized as an attorney, teacher, plays piano and helps with Congregate Meals.

"This is a real surprise. Sidney has been a great home for us," Ball said.

Greg Huck is the recipient of the E.K. Yanney award. The E.K. Yanney Award is presented to people who stay involved in the community during the previous year. The award was accepted by his son Mason Huck.

Hal Enevoldsen, chairman of the Cheyenne County Tourism Committee, presented the Friend of Tourism Award. Before making the presentation, he acknowledge Kevin Howard as tourism director hired last summer.

"He knows tourism inside and out," Enevoldson said.

The Friend of Tourism award was presented to Carla Lutz for her leadership with the Chatauqua.

"She was amazing," he said.

Lutz credited former Tourism Director Heather Hausmann for her success. She said Hausmann did the planning and organizing.