JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Several area businesses and individuals were recognized for their contributions to Jamestown during the 89th Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee recognized the following businesses with their beautification awards:
-Continuing Beatification: Better Homes Property Management
-Best New Landscaping: Two Rivers Activity Center
-Spot of Beauty: Unison Bank
Beautification Awards
The Young Professional of the Year was Nathan Willer of TCF Home Loans. Willer is the current president of the Young Professionals of Jamestown.
The Business of the Year recipient was Buffalo City Escape. Their nomination letter stated:
“What Shannon and Courtney have done with Buffalo City Escape is nothing short of amazing. The hard work and dedication they have shown to bring this unique and fun experience to Jamestown needs to be recognized. While the escape room is a part time venture, both Shannon and Courtney work full time jobs with different businesses. They used their free time and downtime to own and operate this terrific business. I recommend anyone see just what they’ve done and how big of an impact their business is to Jamestown.”
Two of the most prestigious awards through the Chamber followed. Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Emily Bivens says the selection committee had a difficult time choosing this year’s recipients.
“The award selection committee had a lot of great nominations for each award. They had a hard time choosing this year’s recipients, which is a good problem to have,” Bivens stated.
The Above & Beyond Award
The Award was given to Lynn Lambrecht of the Jamestown Downtown Association. Lambrecht’s nomination stated that she “is a perfect example of someone who goes above and beyond on a daily basis to enhance our community.” Lambrecht has had a hand in numerous ventures including the Jamestown Art Center, ND Main Street Summits, and more.
“She has served in some capacity on the Jamestown Downtown Association board for many years. She is the most knowledgeable person there is about the old buildings.”
Citizen of the Year
Two Citizen of the Year awards were given out. They were Jerry Bergquist and Reuben & Clarice Leichty.
Bergquist’s nomination stated that he has “been an instrumental part of our city and county functions for many years. He has been the 911 coordinator and emergency manager since 1989.”
“He has put in way more hours than can be counted. He is known throughout the state as the “go to” person when questions arise. He has strived to make sure Stutsman County has stayed on top of technology and advancement by continuing his mission to bring Next Gen 911 technology to North Dakota. His countless hours of service have made him a prime candidate for Citizen of the Year.”
The Leichty’s nomination stated their “generosity, dedication to community service, and philanthropic spirits have impacted this community greatly.”
“Over many years, the Liechtys have given generously of their time, talents, and treasures, supporting numerous non-profit businesses and organizations within the community of Jamestown and within the state of North Dakota. I feel they are very deserving of the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award.”
Bivens says they had a difficult time choosing their Citizen of the Year, leading them to select two for 2019.
“They felt that the nominations for Jerry and the Leichty’s were both so noteworthy and so diverse that is was very hard to even compare them. They decided to take this opportunity to award both nominees.”