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McCook Chamber presents leadership, service awards
McCook Chamber of Commerce
McCOOK, Neb. — The Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a member who has demonstrated an above-average level of participation in the Chamber and in activities throughout the community.
This year, we are proud to recognize Kerri Waugh for her outstanding commitment, leadership, and service.
Since joining the Chamber Board in June 2020, Kerri has consistently supported the Chamber through sponsorships, volunteer hours, and hands-on involvement in community events including Bash on the Bricks, Noel on Norris, and Heritage Days.
Kerri has also served as a Chamber Board member and Executive Board member, and she has stepped in as interim director when needed alongside other executive board members. Beyond her Chamber service, Kerri is a valued member of the community, active in her church, and serves as a mortgage loan advisor at CharterWest Bank Mortgage Center.
We are grateful for Kerri and her family and their many years of volunteer service and for the time, energy, and dedication they have given to strengthening our Chamber and community.
The Chamber Community Builder Award is presented to an individual with a meaningful history of service to McCook and the surrounding area, especially through work with nonprofit organizations and community-focused efforts.
This year, we are pleased to recognize Molly Smith for her dedication, generosity, and continued commitment to making McCook a stronger and more vibrant place to live. Molly can often be found giving back in many ways, whether through the McCook Creative District, Beautify McCook, McCook Cordials, 4-H, local FFA activities, or other efforts where a helping hand is needed.
Molly has also served on the Heritage Days committee for several years, bringing a positive attitude, welcoming spirit, and a smile to the many projects and events she supports. She is employed with Community Hospital. Often seen attending community events and volunteering alongside her, are her husband, Ben, and their son, Kyson. We are grateful for Molly’s ongoing service and for the many ways she helps build community pride, connection, and momentum throughout McCook and the surrounding area.
The Chamber Community Service Award is presented to an organization that has contributed significantly over the past few years to the improvement of McCook. We are pleased to recognize the McCook Rotary Club for its continued service, community involvement, and dedication to making a positive impact throughout the area.
With approximately 30 members, the McCook Rotary Club is also one of the few chapters in its district to have increased membership this past year.
The Rotary Club’s service can be seen in many community efforts, including supporting the bloodmobile, assisting with the community supper, placing a Little Free Library, participating in highway cleanup, and hosting foreign exchange students every other year for the past several years. The club is always welcoming new members and meets the first three Tuesdays of each month at noon at MCC East Campus.
New president Lorrie Hinze was present to accept the award on behalf of the McCook Rotary Club, and we thank the organization for its ongoing service and dedication to the McCook community.