Thank You For Joining Us!
Thank you to everyone who joined us Friday evening at the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration and Awards Ceremony! Approximately 115 attendees enjoyed an evening of community, celebration, and recognition at The Shores at Five Island. Thank you to our venue sponsor CENT Credit Union for your generous support for the evening.
The evening kicked off with a social hour with a buffet of hors d’oeuvres and desserts catered by Iowa Lakes Community College and games sponsored by Iowa Trust and Savings Bank. Players won an assortment of small, medium, and large prizes at the Plinko table. Thank you to Dollar Fresh Market, Hughes Pharmacy, L Square Boutique, Pizza Ranch, Riviera Theatre, St. Pat's Irish Gift Store, Wild Rose Casino & Resort, and The Willow Tree Garden Center for donating prizes.
Attendees also had the opportunity to play their luck at the Lucky Duck Bottle Draw game. Each player won a surprise bottle of wine or spirits that matched the number on their selected duck. Thank you to Fareway and L Square Boutique for donating prize bottles. And thank you to everyone who played!
The ceremony kicked off a welcome from Director Christy Willmore and introduction of the Board of Directors:
- Lance Clark, Invest in Emmetsburg
- Shelly Hanson, Iowa Trust & Savings Bank
- Joel Hoyman, Hughes Pharmacy
- Amy Martini, Pizza Ranch
- Kari Menefee, Emmetsburg Community Schools
- Traci Muhlenbruch, CENT Credit Union
- Shayla Petersen, L Square Boutique
- Gretchen Reichter, City of Emmetsburg
The program continued with a recap of 2025 and events planned for 2026, then what the crowd was waiting for - the awards. Congratulations to our 2026 honorees!
🏆 2026 Citizen of the Year: Cindy Magee
🏆 Catalyst Award: Cory Elbert
🏆 Young Leader Awards: Ty Harson and Ashley Moe (Ashley was unable to be in attendance.)
The
Young Leader Award honors emerging changemakers who devote their time, resources, and passion to local organizations, causes and projects. They are shaping Emmetsburg’s future through their vision, leadership, and dedication—showing a clear drive and passion for making a meaningful impact. These individuals lead with vision and heart—sometimes in the spotlight, sometimes quietly working behind the scenes to make things happen. We celebrate these rising leaders whose actions today help strengthen and inspire the Emmetsburg of tomorrow.
Morgan Grimm read a letter recognizing Ashley Moe for her dedication to the school and community. Ashley has been involved with West Elementary PIE and currently served on the board. As West Elementary's nurse Ashley has been described as a quiet blessing to teachers' days. Ashley was unable to be in attendance on Friday.
Audrey Baatz read a letter recognizing Ty Harson for his entrepreneurial spirit operating Harson Tree Service and his role in acquiring and installing holiday lights and decorations for the Courthouse Square.
The
MidAmerican Catalyst Award honors local changemakers whose energy, vision, and commitment spark meaningful progress throughout our community. This recognition celebrates individuals or organizations that ignite new ideas, champion growth, and inspire positive momentum in Emmetsburg—driving us forward through leadership, collaboration, and a passion for making our community stronger.
Lance Clark read a letter recognizing Cory Elbert for his efforts that are reshaping both our downtown core and rural landscapes. In the last few years Corey Elbert Contracting converted the "Little Red School" black into development-ready residential lots, transformed the former Stanley Propane building into a building downtown office, and partnered on multiple downtown building renovations. Cory's impact has extended beyond Emmetsburg, understanding that a strong town requires thriving surrounding communities.
The
Charles A. Hughes Citizen of the Year Award honors an individual whose dedication to Emmetsburg shines through their exceptional service, leadership, and volunteerism. This award recognizes a community member who consistently goes above and beyond—someone whose contributions strengthen our hometown, uplift others, and reflect the spirit of commitment and generosity that defines Emmetsburg.
Angie Strohman and Greta Rouse read letters recognizing Cindy Magee for her instrumental role in the Feed Our Kids backpack program, involvement at church, on the PEO board, and Palo Alto County health board. Cindy is kind-hearted, generous, and genuinely wants the best for the community. The Young Leader Award honors emerging changemakers who devote their time, resources, and passion to the organizations and projects that strengthen Emmetsburg. Through their vision, leadership, and dedication—whether in the spotlight or working quietly behind the scenes—they help drive meaningful progress and inspire a stronger community for the future.
The evening continued with another exciting announcements - the winner of the $4,000 travel raffle. Following an energetic drumroll from the crowd and mixing of the tickets by Citizen of the Year Cindy Magee, Heidi Douglass was drawn as the lucky winner of the travel voucher. Heidi was not in attendance but was excited to learn about her luck late Friday evening. She hasn't determined where she'll go yet but said it will be somewhere warm!
Congratulations to Heidi, and thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and supported the Chamber's fundraiser!
The evening ended with live entertainment by comedian and magician Nathan Tricky Allen whose energetic, adults-only performance had the crowd laughing from start to finish. While his humor definitely leaned a bit risqué, guests embraced the playful spirit, making it a memorable way to close out a night.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening, and to all our Chamber members whose continued support makes events like this possible. Your commitment to Emmetsburg’s growth and vibrancy is felt in everything we do. 2026 is already off to an exciting start, and there’s so much more ahead!
