Vander Linden Named Citizen Of The Year
Guy Vander Linden (center) accepts Citizen of the Year award from the OACDG (submitted photo)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group gathered on Thursday evening to recognize the accomplishment of the people and businesses that make our community what it is.
At the 137th annual banquet, Outgoing State Legislator and Marine Corp General Guy Vander Linden was named Citizen of the Year.
Others recognized for their efforts include;
– Old Oak Award: Crouse’s House of Flowers
– Acorn Award: NoCoast Beer Co.
– Golden Dipper, runner-up: Jill Dursky
– Golden Dipper: Pat McCulley
– Main Street Leadership Award: Mike Gipple
– Main Street Iowa Outstanding New/Infill Construction Project: Oskaloosa Downtown Development for the McMillen Building
– Retail Business of the Year: Van Roekel Appliance
– Service Business of the Year: Bank Iowa
– Industry of the Year: Eagleone Safety Solutions
– Business Person of the Year: Jennifer Main
– Community Improvement Award: Brian & Glenda Booy
– Educator of the Year: Larry Gay
– Chuck Russell Award: Julie Hansen
– Special Award, Standing in the Gap: Margaret Ratcliff
OACDG Director Ann Smith spoke about her eight months as the Director and that transition from her former employment to now.
Smith emphasized three key elements; experience, opportunity, and growth, in her speech to those gathered. Victor Hugo said, “there is nothing like a dream to create a future.”
Smith said that the members of the chamber continue to grow, and also the business community of Mahaska County. “Since November, the Chamber team has added 21 new businesses to our membership. As we continue to grow and pave our own way, we need the support not only from you, our leaders, but everyone in the community and surrounding area if we want to make Oskaloosa a thriving community where people want to be.”
“As we continue to brighten and enhance Oskaloosa and Mahaska County, we must all strive to be willing to serve, work hard, and be ambassadors of our community. We must be willing to grow, learn from our experiences and remember what we do today makes for an impactful tomorrow,” said Smith in closing.
