Photo courtesy of Melissa Van’t Hof
The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce held their annual banquet on Saturday, February 18th. This year the chamber was able to involve different businesses with the banquet. The event was held at the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch, the meal was provided by Cricket’s Catering of Dell Rapids, and dessert was provided by LaDelle and Fourth Coffeehouse.
During the banquet the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce handed out three annual awards. The first award given was the “2017 Community Spirit” award. This award is given to a person or business in Dell Rapids that volunteers in the community, contributes to local campaigns that benefit community projects, or collaborates with one or more organizations to create an event or program that benefits an individual or the community. This year’s Community Spirit Award went to Tim Schwebach.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Van’t Hof
The second award given was the “2017 Volunteer of the Year” award. This award is given to a person or group who volunteers time to improving their community through various contributions and community service. The nominees must live in Dell Rapids and the nominee must have spearheaded or assisted a campaign that benefited another individual or the community, or gives selflessly to the community without monetary compensation, or is considered a mentor to others based on their volunteer efforts. This two groups won “Volunteer of the Year”. The local chapter of the ESA won for their contributions to the community with the “Christmas for Our Kids” program. The committee from Norby’s that runs the Christmas for Kids fundraiser also won “Volunteer of the Year” for the record-breaking donation to the ESA “Christmas for Our Kids” program.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Van’t Hof
The final award of the night was the “2071 Business of the Year”. The business must be an active business for at least three years with a location in Dell Rapids and have revenue or job growth, innovative products or services, provide exceptional customer services, volunteers in the community, or encourages and provides professional development for staff. This year’s winner was Always Your Design for their recent recognition of being a Top 10 quilt shop in the United States.
After the awards were given and President Dan Ahlers provided a brief update on the happenings of the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Rebekah Scott of Rebekah Scott Designs presented to those in attendance as the guest speaker. Scott spoke for about 30 minutes giving insight and information about what makes her business successful. She also provided tips and motivation to bring success to business owners and employees that attended the event.
*Norby’s committee also won 2017 Volunteer of the Year award