Rahns Awarded “Citizen of the Year” By Chamber Of Commerce
(Le Mars) — The Le Mars couple responsible for turning around
the lives of several at risk teenagers, and giving them a purpose in life was awarded the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce’s “Citizen of the Year”. Jim and Roxie Rahn operate the “Youth For Christ” missionary. They were introduced by Chamber president, Mitch Christoffel.
After receiving the “Citizen of the Year” honor, the Rahns thanked the entire Le Mars community, and explained they are fortunate to be doing something they truly enjoy.
The Rahns informed the attendees of the Chamber banquet that their organization would not be as successful if not for all the partners and volunteers that share their time, and resources, for the benefit of the children at Youth For Christ.
This year’s “Business of the Year” recipient was awarded to Hy-Vee. Chamber volunteer Rich Ziettlow, while reading the introduction, informed the banquet audience, the Le Mars Hy-Vee continually demonstrates great support for the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce and its activities. Beyond Chamber events, Le Mars Hy-Vee is an active supporter of our community. This past
year, they donated over $176,000 in goods and services to community programs including Christian Needs, Rejoice Church, Floyd Valley Healthcare, and various school organizations. During the summer’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, Le Mars Hy-Vee sponsored a poster contest and displayed entries in their store. Coordinated food for the Birthday picnic at the fairgrounds
during the Sunday celebration, and organized the “Step Back in Time” event at Pioneer Village with people in period costumes and old-time business activities in the Pioneer Village buildings. The Le Mars Hy-Vee faced many challenges this past year, including healing from a horrible act of violence perpetrated during an early morning attempted robbery when two employees
were shot and wounded. The support from within the Hy-Vee organization was immediate…265 Hy-Vee stores sent cards and offered help. Locally, counselors and pastors were made available to employees. Store Director, Randy Ritt said, “Our Hy-Vee family grew stronger every day with the prayers
and support of our entire community.” Continuing with the introduction, Rich Ziettlow said the slogan for Hy-Vee may be “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” but as highlighted here, our Le Mars Hy-Vee is also dedicated to bringing their “Helpful Smiles Beyond the Aisles.
The Mainstreet “Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Terri Martin, and the United Way-Paul Olson Volunteer was given to Daniel Hystad with Donagal Insurance. During last evening’s annual banquet, the “Employees of the Month” from 2019, along with the “Bosses of the Quarter” were honored and recognized.
New this year, the annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet featured a humorous speaker. Julie Burney focused on how to change people with a “crabby attitude”. Burney had the gathering laughing throughout her time on the stage, often reciting incidents that the audience could relate.
