Celebrating Henderson was truly the theme of the Chamber Banquet held on Monday, January 17. Over 100 people attended the event and had the opportunity to listen to the guest speaker, Ali Schwanke, who encouraged organization leaders to focus on customer service through leadership, management and employees. In addition to the speaker, Kelsey Bergen, Executive Director, spoke about the accomplishment of the Chamber and the community in 2010, Norm Yoder and Bill Bamesberger recognized leadership from 2010 and James Ohrt, Chamber President, gave a focus for 2011.
During the evening several awards were also presented. Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Award winners included Henderson Health Care Services receiving the Class II Special Project Award in the category of Technology, Infrastructure and Planning for the Hospital Expansion project. The Henderson Heritage Committee received the Class II Special Project Award for the second year in a row for the Tourism Promotion and Development Category for the addition of the District 75E Schoolhouse at Heritage Park. Finally, the City of Henderson received the seconded place recognition in Class II for the Governor’s Community Spirit Award for several project completed in the community in 2010.
Nine different businesses were presented with Milestone Awards during the evening. Businesses recognized for reaching milestones in 2010 included: Cornerstone Bank- Henderson Branch for 20 years of service, Headquarters Salon for 25 years of service, Bergen Friesen Agency and Friesen Construction for 35 years of service, Virg’s Plumbing and Digging for 45 years of service, and Northern Agri-Service and Henderson Community COOP for 55 years of service. Also reaching milestones in 2010, but unable to attend the banquet was Boardman Aerial with 30 years of service and Henderson Irrigation with 70 years of service.
The Friend of Henderson Award was presented during the banquet to Steve Michel, who was chosen due to a lifetime committed to serving the community through the Henderson Chamber, Henderson Health Care Services Board of Directors, the Henderson Planning Commission, the Henderson Health Care Foundation Board, the Heartland Booster Club, the start committee and strategic plan, youth baseball coach and umpire, pit orchestra member for Heartland Community Schools musicals, Sunday school teacher and PA announcer and scoreboard operator for Henderson and Heartland Community School sports teams.
The Henderson Chamber of Commerce Banquet was sponsored by Perennial Public Power District and CNF Inc. Businesses sponsoring tables included Cornerstone Bank, City of Henderson, Henderson State Bank, Henderson Health Care Services, Mainstay Communications, and Kliewer Auction Services.
-From Contributor Kelsey Bergen
