Chamber Highlights The “Simply Brilliant” Work Of Many
The “Alley KADTS” received state and local recognition for their community project. The Alley has become a community gathering spot because of their efforts.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Once again, area businesses came together to recognize the work and efforts of individuals, not only in building business, but also in building our community. They took a look back to highlight the successes of 2016.
Hosting its 136th annual banquet, the members of the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group (OACDG), along with their guests, heard about the collaborative efforts that took place between businesses and government entities, like the City of Oskaloosa and Mahaska County.
“Ultimately, we’re all working toward the same goals of enhancing the quality of life… in all of Mahaska County,” said OACDG President Margaret Ratcliff.
“These efforts take many volunteers,” said Ratcliff. “Tonight is all about celebrating their service.”
The awards were presented by Oskaloosa Mayor, Dave Krutzfeldt, and Mahaska County Supervisor, Willie Van Weelden.
The Old Oak Award was given to the United Way of Mahaska County, in recognition of their over 20 years of service to Mahaska County. Executive Director, Amy Meyer, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
The Creamery & Co. was recognized with the Acorn Award, for their revitalization efforts, where Krutzfeldt described them as, “a wonderful addition to the south side of town.”
OACDG Diplomats are volunteers who attend many different functions and serve as the welcoming committee for ribbon cuttings and other social events. The Golden Dipper award is presented to those volunteers who take part in the most events on behalf of the OACDG. This year, Cassie Riley, from Mahaska Health Partnership, came in runner up to Pat Mcculley, who won the award for attending 54 of the 66 events in 2016. Mcculley has won the award in 17 of the past 18 years.
The Alley KATDS were honored by the OACDG for their work in making “The Alley” a reality. The group was honored by 1,000 Friends of Iowa earlier in the year for their exceptional project in Urban Placemaking. Sherry Vavra, an integral part of the program and one of the KATDS, was also honored this past year by the Iowa Main Street as Main Street Volunteer of the Year.
Oskaloosa itself, for its Main Street works over the past year, was recognized with the Main Street Signature Award. Oskaloosa nabbed the top award on April 7th, 2017 at a ceremony at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. Oskaloosa was recognized for its efforts in downtown revitalization.
Many other awards included the Retail Business of the Year, which was awarded to Hy-Vee, while the Oskaloosa Herald was awarded as Service Business of the Year. Mahaska Health Partnership was recognized as the Industry of the Year. Bob Neilson, of Garden & Associates, was honored with Business Person of the Year.
Mahaska County Emergency Management was awarded the Community Improvement Award, for its efforts to update and provide Mahaska County residents with quality, well-trained 911 services.
North Mahaska’s Bruce Peiffer was awarded the Educator of the Year. Peiffer is also the director of the Oskaloosa Municipal Band.
Caleb Gipple, of North Mahaska, was awarded Student of the Year. Gipple represented Iowa at the national level in a speech contest hosted by the American Legion.
Citizen of the Year Awards were presented to Greg and Karen Hafner. Greg is the retiring Athletic Director from William Penn University. Karen is retiring from Oskaloosa Main Street, after serving with OACDG for 10 years. The couple was visibly emotional as their peers praised them for their contributions to the community.
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of Oskaloosa,” said Karen Hafner, “The greatest thing about the community is that you do things for the community. You’ve really dedicated yourselves to making Oskaloosa a better place.”
“I want to thank each and every one of you,” added Hafner. “It’s really been a blast. Nothing happens without everyone working together, and I’ve been so blessed. Thank you so much,” said Hafner, in closing, to a standing ovation.
Editing by Ginger Allsup
