(Le Mars) — “Thumbs Up! was the selected theme for the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet that was held Saturday evening. A video showcasing many Le Mars residents and business leaders were featured, all giving thumbs up. “Thumbs Up!” is reflective of the community’s growth and many opportunities.
“Citizen of the Year”
Floyd Valley Healthcare’s physical therapist, Tony Peyton was honored Saturday evening as the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year”. For over 30 years, Peyton has volunteered his time as a physical therapist/athletic trainer for the Le Mars Community School District, Gehlen Catholic School, and the former Westmar College. Peyton explains why he became a physical therapist.
By his own admission, Peyton says he devotes more than 1000 hours each school year assisting with the student athletes’ rehabilitation, and physical therapy needs.
By his own admission, Peyton refers to himself as the “conscience of the team”.
We asked the Floyd Valley physical therapist if ever there was a time when a coach would question his judgement regarding a student athlete’s injury?
As for being named as the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” it came as a total surprise. Peyton says he was told by Floyd Valley officials that he needed to attend the chamber banquet, but he didn’t know why he was requested
to attend.
Peyton’s family members were brought in to the chamber awards banquet to witness his award presentation. His philosophy is that “we should all be givers and not takers. If we all give what we have as talents, then we’ll make the community better. Our congratulations go to Tony Peyton as the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year”.
Tony Peyton surrounded by his family.
The Brown’s Musical Family Century Theater – “Business of the Year”
The Browns were honored during the annual Chamber of Commerce awards banquet as the “Le Mars Business of the Year”. The Browns first renovated an office building to make it their new home as a theater, then renovated the former Hi-Lite saloon as an event center. Because of their musical theater located in Le Mars, many charter buses and tourists have visited Le Mars.
Pictured: (left to right) Adam Brown, Michaela Brown, and Shelly Brown. 2017 Chamber president Joel Johnson presented the award to the Brown family.
Main Street Volunteer of the Year – Jenny Kayser
United Way Volunteer of the Year – Lisa Hodgson
United Way of Le Mars Vice Chair Janelle Johnson (left) stands with this year’s recipient of the United Way Volunteer of the Year, Lisa Hodgson of Floyd Valley Healthcare.
It was reported that Le Mars raised more than $319,000 for the United Way in 2016, which set a new record.
Bosses Of the Quarter
Scott Taylor (left) and Tom Schuch (right) were recognized as “Boss of the Quarter”.
Employees of the Month
Pictured: (left to right) Tammy Ruhland, Jenny Kayser, Esther Shrader, Dennis Bollin, Beverly VanBuskirk, Lorrie Crippen, and Rebecca McGinnis.
The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce also honored retiring board members, Peggy Sitzmann, Kevin Eekhoff, and Rob Bixenman. Sitzmann and Bixenman were also honored as retiring LBIC directors.
