Custer Economic Development Corporation recognized five local businesses, organizations and individuals Sunday evening during its annual Member Appreciation and Awards Ceremony at Kinkaider Brewing Company in Broken Bow.
The awards recognized contributions to agricultural and business innovation, community service, youth leadership and the needs of local families.
View photos of award recipients at the end of the story
Adams Land & Cattle received the Ag Innovator Award for its continued investment in agricultural technology and infrastructure. That includes the company’s roller compacted concrete feedlot project and the recently announced Neogenyx RNG project, which will use manure from the cattle operation to produce pipeline-quality renewable natural gas.
Evans Feed received the Business Innovator Award after purchasing the former Arrow Seed building, expanding its operation and becoming the local retailer for Star and Native Seed. The move has helped keep agricultural products and services available locally while representing continued investment in the Broken Bow community.
The Wheelhorse Award went to Callaway’s Stacey Guthard for her extensive involvement in community and economic development efforts. Guthard has been active with the Callaway Chamber while also serving with several other local organizations, including the Callaway Development Corporation, Callaway Good Life and committees involved with local lending and housing programs.
The Youth Wheelhorse Award was presented to Logan Bell, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln student and Nebraska State FFA Officer. Bell was recognized for his leadership, involvement in agriculture, community service and participation in numerous school activities and organizations.
Precious Angels Daycare received the Community Impact Award after expanding its Broken Bow facility and approximately doubling its childcare capacity. The organization also created a summer childcare program for school aged children after the local school system discontinued its program.
CEDC Executive Director Scotti Ross said the recipients represent different ways of strengthening Custer County.
“Each of these recipients represents a different way of strengthening our community,” Ross said. “Their willingness to invest, adapt, lead, and serve makes a meaningful difference in the future of Custer County.”
The annual event also gave CEDC an opportunity to highlight some of its work during the past year.
Ross said housing and childcare have remained major priorities, with CEDC celebrating the first family moving into Eagle Crest Subdivision, closing on eight lots for new homes and more than $900,000 in housing development loans. CEDC also helped raise $20,000 through childcare tax credit donations.
The organization also worked on workforce development following the Tyson plant closure in Lexington, helped connect communities with housing and planning resources, supported local grant efforts and welcomed several new members.
Ross said the work ultimately comes down to businesses, organizations and individuals investing in the future of Custer County.
Sunday’s ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize some of those contributors and thank CEDC members for their continued support of economic and community development throughout the county.
