Sidney Chamber holds annual banquet, presents awards

The Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture reviewed its year, looked forward to the future and awarded some worthy members during its banquet Monday night.

Wade VanEvery, the chamber’s executive director, spoke of the many events the chamber organizes each year. “The number one bottom line is to put people in the stores,” he said.

During 2007, the chamber evolved the “Sidney’s Got It” campaign to “Thanks for Shopping Sidney.” VanEvery noted it’s important for the community to put its best image forward when visitors come to town.

There are currently 239 chamber members.

“The chamber works because of committees with dedicated workers,” VanEvery said. “The chamber is devoted to selling Sidney to the state, nation and maybe even the world. It’s a great place to live and raise a family.”

New chamber president Ben Larson said he’s proud to serve in the legacy of many outstanding leaders. He said the chamber is about leadership and serving the community.

Larson commended VanEvery and administrative assistant LaVanchie Starkey. “We are truly in good hands as we move forward,” the Richland County Extension agent said.

He noted the chamber’s strategic plan is important as an organizer. “We want to make sure we get the most out of what we’re doing,” Larson said.

The following chamber awards were announced:

Partners in Progress

Libby Berndt, publisher of the Sidney Herald, received the Partners in Progress award sponsored by Seitz Insurance. The award isn’t given every year but saved for special recognition for people who have given just a little more of themselves.

Berndt is very visible with her weekly columns about events happening in the community. Her writing is always focused on something good being the outcome.

She is active in chamber committee work and helps the organization in any way possible. She is a member of the Sidney Lions Club and active in her church.

As the Herald celebrates its 100th anniversary, she is consciously involving many organizations in this celebration.

Entrepreneur Award

Millers’ Corner won the Entrepreneur Award given to a business that has been in existence for more than one year, has been successful and has gone beyond the ordinary to capture the public’s attention. Sidney Health Center sponsors the award.

Millers’ Corner is celebrating its fifth anniversary this week. They purchased the Windmill Inn, rebuilt the building and added gas and diesel pumps.

The chamber relies on Greg Miller’s leadership on the chamber board and both he and Linette Miller are faithful supporters for the chamber whenever possible.

One of the nomination responses wrote, “They keep expanding their menu, provide a nice meeting area, and they go out of their way to make customers happy.”

Horizon Award

ElectricLand earned the Horizon Award that is presented to a business that has been in existence for more than five years but keeps on breaking new ground and moving forward. The Roundup sponsored the award.

As one of the ballots said, “This business has moved to a new location, expanded to another town and provides excellent products and customer service.” They are also admired for the remodeling work they have done in the past couple of years.

Another ballot stated that people like their way of “keeping up with technology.”

The whole family is involved in the business, and they are very active in the community as well as being involved with the chamber.

Sunrise Spirit

The MonDak Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited received the Sunrise Spirit Award that honors an individual or group that has given outstanding service to the community. The Sidney Herald sponsored the award.

The renovation of Richland Park has had many players, spearheaded by the Richland County commissioners. One local organization jumped on board in a big way. They got involved in the project by stepping up with financial support when the county decided to start renovations with a new boat ramp.

After clearing out the dead and almost dead cottonwoods in the main open area of the park, the county was concerned about the cost of replanting trees. Walleyes Unlimited was right there with a plan. One member suggested a program to work in conjunction with the community to plant mature trees to speed up the development of the park.

Walleyes Unlimited received tremendous support from businesses and individuals and were able to pay $14,750 for the purchase of new trees.

This group opens its doors for its annual banquet to the entire community. During the last 10 years, the group has given more than $62,000 back to the community from funds raised from its banquet.

Agriculture Award

Prewitt & Company was the recipient of the Agriculture Award sponsored by MonDak Ag Days.

During the past 40 years, Prewitt & Company has grown and changed to be considered a specialist in cattle marketing and merchandizing. The company has also grown its beef cattle production business, more encompassing cow/calf production, stocker grazing and winterizing and cattle finishing.

They are very active in the community, establishing a restaurant based on cattle and expanding with another one in Miles City. In Sidney, they are appreciated for the number of people they employ and their generosity to activities such as the Richland County 4-H sale.

Educator of the Year

Janice Foster was the winner of the Educator of the Year honor. The award is sponsored by DTF Educational Consulting.

Foster was nominated by Sidney Middle School Principal Rollie Sullivan for the “amount of her own time that she gives to her students. She is one of the most giving educators that I have seen in the 30 years that I have spent in education.”

Sullivan also stated, “She epitomizes the top row of educators that really get what a difference they might be able to make with the students that they see and educate. She is a wonderful teacher but an even better human being.”

editor@sidneyherald.com