ORD, NEB. – Even during a winter weather advisory, that didn’t stop the Valley County Annual Celebration from happening last friday as awards were given away, live music by the Severence family was enjoyed and delicious food from Jubilee Events & Catering was eaten.
The Valley County Annual Celebration included all towns in Valley County: Arcadia, Elyria, North Loup and Ord.
Trevor Lee, Executive Director of Valley County Economic Development (VCED), welcomed all the attendees and nominees and introduced special guest Jeff Yost who made the opening remarks before the awards ceremony. Yost is the President and CEO of Nebraska Community Foundation.
Awards were then presented first by the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce. Opening remarks for their awards was given by Amos Lange, Chamber President. Awards were presented by Jennifer Smith and Betty Wheeler, both on the Chamber board.
ORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS:
- Partner in Progress
- WINNER: Hackel Construction
- Rising Start
- WINNER: Jubilee Events & Catering
- Interactive Media/Website
- WINNER: Normal Roasting Company
- Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member
- Mary Molle
Following the Chamber of Commerce awards, Valley County Economic Development presented their awards beginning with opening remarks from Thomas Herman, Vice-President of VCED. Awards were presented by Thomas Herman and Trevor Lee.
VCED AWARDS
- Silver Citizen
- WINNER: Bob & Jean Stowell
- Community Development & Improvement
- WINNER: Ord Summer Lunch Program
- Excellence in Agribusiness
- WINNER: Ord Locker
Finally, the Valley County Community Foundation Fund (VCCFF) presented their awards beginning with opening remarks from Darlene Psota, Chairman of VCCFF. Awards were presented by Duane & Darlene Psota.
VCCFF AWARDS
- Outstanding Public Service
- WINNER: Ord Township Library
- Exceptional Young Citizen
- WINNER: Ethan Gabriel
- Dynamic Young Community Leader
- WINNER: Nicole Dennis
- High Impact Organization
- WINNER: Ord Food Pantry
Along with the winners, these community organizations presented the Ponderosa Pine seedlings on all the tables during the ceremony. This was the excerpt in the program explaining the seedlings:
In the spirit of supporting local initiatives, the Ponderosa Pine seedlings displayed throughout the gathering space were grown in Central Nebraska at the Charles E. Bessey Tree Nursery in Halsey, Nebraska. Since 1972, over 95 million trees and shrubs have been planted throughout the state for conservation purposes. These seedlings will be planted throughout the Valley County area as a reminder of the roots we established in our community as we continue to grow our living legacy.
Thank you to the Nebraska Forest Service and the Lower Loup Natural Resources District for supplying these seedlings for our celebration and the Valley County Community.
