Chamber honors volunteers

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce annual Awards Banquet was held Saturday at the Republican River Valley Event Center where a crowd of more than 300 chamber members and their guests celebrated the accomplishments of 2010 and honored contributions of various community leaders.

Chamber President Terri Shipshock characterized the past year as one of change, highlighted by the location change of the Chamber offices to the Keystone Business Center. President-Elect Tyler Schmick shared a vision of purpose for the Chamber with the membership. "The chamber needs to be there to help its members. We want to be able to touch each member in some positive way throughout the year with added value for their membership."

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of several awards by Past President Kristin Stagemeyer. The Community Builder, Ag Builder, Community Service and Chamber Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrated the "can-do" attitudes of the deserving recipient individuals and organizations.

The Chamber Volunteer of the Year was Duane Tappe, whose service to the Chamber includes serving root beer floats at fund raisers, hauling supplies for mixers, serving on the board of directors, and helping with the annual banquet and home show. However, his service is not limited to chamber activities, as Tappe is involved with college athletic teams, Teammates, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, and mentoring. His latest venture includes setting up a small business, a shoe shine stand, at the Keystone Business Center to allow his young business partner the opportunity to develop responsibility, a sense of pride, and experience in running a business.

The McCook Christian Church was awarded the Community Service Award for their "Faith in Action" program. On Oct. 10, 2010, this group gave of their time and talents to help touch the lives of other members of the community. During the weekend, the group was busy making McCook a better place by painting a house, cleaning up yards, striping parking lots, delivering care packages, installing smoke detectors, putting coins in the machines at the Laundromat, and randomly purchasing gas at a local convenience store. Campaign Directors Brad and Wendy Gillen accepted the award on behalf of the McCook Christian Church and encouraged those in attendance to follow their example. "When you see something that needs to be done, just do it. It will have an affect on the person you are helping, but it will also change your life in the process."

Don and Norma Klein were chosen for the Ag Builder Award, to which Don gave full credit to his devoted wife and deep faith in God. In addition to Klein's Motor and Electric, which was founded in 1939, the Kleins also own Midwest Livestock, as well as a farm and ranch operation. Don has served on the board of directors for the Hospital Foundation, the YMCA, and Red Willow County Fair. They have been actively involved in 4-H, providing opportunities for young people to exhibit at the county fair. They were also highly involved in the building of the Kiplinger Arena at the Red Willow County fairgrounds. Together they have served as youth counselors for their church.

Community Builder Award Recipient Dr. John Batty came to McCook in the early 1920s at the age of 5 to live with his uncle following the death of both of his parents. He was frightened and apprehensive of his new life, but his misfortune proved to be a blessing for McCook. He attended the old Valentine (East Ward) school, graduating from McCook High School and McCook Junior College. His contributions to McCook have been vast. He has served on the McCook School Board, the YMCA Board, and the Community Concert Association. He is one of the founders of the McCook Dance Club, the McCook Clinic, McCook's Daffodil Program for the American Cancer Society, the Rotary Travel and Adventure Program Series, and the Nebraska Great Lakes Yachting Club. He has also been a Master Mason in the McCook Lodge for 60 years. He was one of the original donors to the McCook Community Foundation. At the age of 96, Batty is still very active in the community, attending Rotary every week and providing homemade jellies, cookies, and pies for his church's International Food Fair.

Kathy Eaton, current President of McCook Cordials, presented the Cordial of the Year Award to Brenda McGuire, who is the Past President of the organization, having served in that capacity for two years. McGuire, who referred to the Cordials as "the Smiles of McCook," was given the award because of her strong love for the community and her extensive involvement in Cordial activities.