BROKEN BOW—The Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce annual banquet on February 8 featured a night of singing and celebrating! Forty businesses were recognized for reaching milestone anniversaries in the year 2020, bringing a combined 1,575 years of business and organization experience to Custer County (as stated in the banquet program).
In addition to celebrating the milestone anniversaries of 2020, the chamber reflected on the past year in which it welcomed 16 new members, held 15 ribbon cuttings, gave out three GROW awards, and hosted numerous community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Market on the Square, Third Thursdays, Steak Fry, Trunk or Treat, Festival of Lights, and many more.
Executive Director Deb Kennedy and Administrative Assistant Joni Kaczanowski also presented awards to deserving members of the community who were nominated by their peers. The annual awards portion of the evening featured more than 30 nominees and record voting this year with 592 votes.
Citizen of the Year: Mike Evans
Business of the Year: Hunter’s Towing and Repair
Non-Profit/Organization of the Year: Healing Hearts and Families
Customer Service—Individual: Scotti Ross of Bruning Bank
Customer Service—Business: Nebraska State Bank
The winner of the 2020 Friend of the Chamber Award—voted on by the chamber board of directors and staff—is given in recognition of those who go out of their way to support, encourage, and walk in line with the Chamber Staff and Chamber Mission.
Friend of the Chamber: Dick and Jodene Taylor
“We’d like to thank everyone who purchased tickets, we’re so excited to see you tomorrow for an uplifting evening celebrating the successes of our community,” Deb Kennedy told KCNI/KBBN prior to Saturday’s banquet.
The evening also welcomed Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley and featured a silent auction and 50/50 raffle with proceeds supporting community events. A dueling pianos team (Frisbee and John) from Springfield, Missouri kicked off the buffet line by having tables guess the artist and song before their table was allowed to eat. The dueling pianos duo closed out the evening by singing a variety of songs and encouraging audience participation.
The Chamber Team members celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2020:
City of Broken Bow: 140 years
Broken Bow Public Library: 110 years
Dana F. Cole & Company, LLP: 105 years
Custer Federal State Bank: 95 years
Wenquist, Inc.: 95 years
Govier Brothers Mortuary: 70 years
Mead Lumber: 65 years
BD Vacutainer-Preanalytical Systems: 60 years
Custer County Museum: 60 years
Nebraska One Box Pheasant Hunt: 60 years
Garrett Tires, Treads, & Appliances: 55 years
KNLV Radio: 55 years
Seven Valleys Historical Society: 55 years
Broken Bow Housing Authority: 45 years
Bosselman Pump & Pantry: 40 years
Janz Styling Salon: 40 years
Judy’s Hair Designs: 40 years
Prairie Pioneer Center: 40 years
Ranchland Ford: 40 years
Erickson Law Office: 30 years
Central Plains Center for Services: 25 years
M&M Electric: 25 years
Evans Feed Company, Inc.: 25 years
Straight Arrow Bison Ranch: 25 years
Custer Title & Abstract: 20 years
Bonfire Grill & Pub: 15 years
Bruning Bank: 15 years
Central I.T. LLC: 15 years
DEB’s Embroidery Shop: 15 years
The Cookie Farm: 15 years
Love & Learn Childcare: 15 years
Great Plains Communications: 15 years
Healing Hearts and Families: 10 years
Myers Iron Salvage/Myers Roll-Offs: 10 years
CARQUEST of Broken Bow: 5 years
Hunters for Youth: 5 years
Pearson Construction: 5 years
Thrivent Financial: 5 years
Quality Senior Villages: 5 years
The Country Store: 5 years
