Chamber hosts annual awards banquet

This year's Cheyenne County Chamber Of Commerce Annual Banquet was held at the Holiday Inn on Wednesday. The Master Of Ceremonies was KSID's Hunter Arterburn-and his stage performance with City Manager Gary Person may have stolen the show.

But the purpose of this annual gathering was more serious. Wanda Brogren outgoing Board Chairman thanked the members whose terms ended in 2013 for their service and their commitment to the Chamber and to Cheyenne County.

Outgoing members are Tim Lindahl of Wheat Belt Public Power District, Zach Adams from Adams Industries, Mary Katos of TE Connectivity and KSID's Suzy Ernest.

Awards presented this year went to Larry Fraas for Individual of the Year who provided Outstanding customer service. Potter Market and General Store earned New Business of the Year, Mike and Deb Senior were honors for Supporter of the Year.

The Heroes Among Us awards went to Tom VonSeggern, James Harman, Harlin Shields, Roderick and Steven Waller. Ralph and Kim Castner won the Edna Anderson Award while Saunders Construction took home the Keep Sidney Beautiful Award and Danielle DeKruif received the Friend of Tourism Award.

Brogen passed the gavel to Paula Abbott, who welcomed new board members RJ Savely (Village Of Lodgepole), Marva Ellwanger (Reganis Motors), Mike Senior (Safeway), Marla Hixon (American Family Insurance). Kelly Utley of Sidney Regional Medical Center was reelected to a second term.

Abbott thanked Brogen for her service to the Chamber this last year.

Abbott left her position four years ago as Campus Director at Colorado Community College to become WNCC Campus Director. Abbott stated that Cheyenne County has a tremendous amount of knowledge and diversity within its business community. She immediately knew we had a strong Chamber that embraced growth and promoting businesses in the service area.

Spike Blake's "Half Of Dueling Pianos Show" served as entertainment.