Cherokee County Recognition Banquet

Well attended - There was room a-plenty in the expansive Western Iowa Tech Community College Conference Center for the annual Cherokee County Recognition Banquet on March 10th. This year's banquet attracted a record crowd of more than 225 people. The keynote speaker was Shawna Lode, Director of the Iowa Tourism Bureau, and more than 60 County businesses and individuals were recognized for their economic impact in the County. (Photo by Paul Struck)

Keynote speaker Aurelia native Shawna Lode, Director of the Iowa Tourism Bureau,informed the record crowd about the impact of tourism in Iowa. (Photo by Paul Struck)

McIntosh honored - Bernice McIntosh, center, was honored with a plaque of appreciation for her continued service to the community of Cleghorn at the Cherokee County Recognition Banquet on Saturday at Western Iowa Tech Community College. Presenting the award to McIntosh was Fran Briggs of the City of Cleghorn, right. Also pictured is Neal McIntosh, son of Bernice, who came from the Twin Cities to surprise his mother after she received her recognition award. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Burkhardt & Dawson - Mark Hecox, left, President of the Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation, presented Donna Burkhardt, center, and Laura Dawson of Burkhardt & Dawson CPA's for their economic contribution to the County of Cherokee. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Cherokee Certificates of Appreciation - There were over 60 Certificates of Appreciation given out at Saturday's Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation Annual Cherokee County Recognition Banquet. Those in attendance who received the Cherokee certificates included, left to right, Darla Struck, Pam Pierce, Jane Schmillen (on behalf of Libby Peterson), Rick Mongan, Cletus Henke, Ann Schmidt, Tron Dandy, Gary McCormick, Don Eikmeier, Ralph Semerad, Dwight Varce and Bob Berquest. The certificates were given to businesses who have remodeled, expanded or individuals that have started new businesses in the last year. Also recognized were new managers and those who have contributed to the well being of Cherokee. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

O'Halloran International - Cherokee Industrial Corporation President Rick Mongan, left, presented a plaque to Steve Hirschman of O'Halloran International for their economic contribution and service to the Cherokee Community. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

City of Washta - Washta Mayor Don Parrott, left, presented Gaylen Goettsch of the Washta United Methodist Church a plaque that honors the church with gratitude and appreciation for its many years of service to the community of Washta. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Country Creation - Ed Sand, right, of the Marcus Economic Development Corporation presented an award to Dale and Barb Cave of Country Creations for their economic efforts and commitment to the Marcus community and area. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

First Cooperative Association - Cherokee Chamber of Commerce President Justin Pritts, left, presented Brett Barglof of First Cooperative Association with a plaque for their outstanding contributions to the community of Cherokee. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Marcus Dental Clinic - Kathy Zimmer, left, of the Marcus Chamber of Commerce presented a recognition award to Karl and Sara Koelling of the Marcus Dental Clinic for outstanding business and community service to the Marcus area. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

City of Quimby - Quimby Mayor Betty Woltman, right, recognized Jack and Helen Simonsen of Simonsen Industries for their continued economic efforts and many years of service to the City of Quimby. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Farm Bureau - Tom Oswald of the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, left, presented an award to Denny O'Byan for his outstanding service to agriculture in Cherokee County. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Aurelia Certificates of Appreciation - Among those in attendance receiving Certificates of Appreciation for Aurelia were Karen Bentsen, left, and Corey Zindel. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

More Aurelia Certificates of Appreciation - Also among those in attendance receiving Special Certificates of Appreciation for Aurelia were, left to right, Charlene Carson (on behalf of Terry Holub), Kasey Reilly, Harold Petersen, Jessica Kannegieter, Leah Niemeier, Mary Schulenberg, and Aurelia Mayor Jim Tell. (Photo by Mike Leckband)

Citizen of the Year - Cherokee Administrator Don Eikmeier, right, presented this year's Cherokee Citizen of the Year award to Jeffrey Blum. (Photo by Mike Leckband)