(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 Rahn’s 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.
Hy Vee honored as the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year”
Hy-Vee was represented at the annual Chamber banquet by Angela Buhman, Richard Buhman, Randy Ritt, Jeanette Nelson, and Jordan Heidebrink.
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 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.
Terri Martin Chosen As Main Street Volunteer Of They Year
Donagal Insurance Executive Honored As United Way-Paul Olson Volunteer of the Year
Dan Hystad, (left) was presented the United Way Volunteer Of the Year Award.
Boss of the Year Recipients
Left to right: Loren Johnson-Dean Foods, Jill Renken-Plymouth County Assessor, Jim Klein-American Bank, and Dr. Wayne Meylor-Meylor Chiropratic. Not pictured: Cindy Harpenau-Mid Sioux Opportunity, Mat Trotzig-Trotzig and Bauerly, PLC,
Employees of the Month Recipients
From left to right: Mandy Weiland-Gehlen Catholic School, Becky Klohs-Primebank, Jennifer McDougal, Terri Schroeder, Julia Deiterman-Iowa State Bank, and Jon Penne-Culligan Water. Not pictured: Wendy Cody and Amy Augustine-Le Mars Police Department, Michelle Connor-Le Mars Physical Therapy, Gina Lawson-Habitue’ Coffeehouse and Creperie, Gloria Dreckman-Northwest Bank.
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 delighted the audience, and had the gathering laughing throughout her entire time on the stage, often reciting incidents that the audience could relate.
