The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, Development Corporation, and Mitchell Main Street & Beyond held their Annual Recognition Event on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Valley View Villa to celebrate local businesses and individuals for their commitment to the Mitchell community.
Trevor Dierks, President of First Dakota National Bank and Past President of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation along with Eric Giblin owner of Subway restaurants and Past President of the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce were the event’s emcees for the evening. Representatives from each organization highlighted their accomplishments from the past year and honored individuals and organizations from the Mitchell community with their annual recognition awards.
For the first time, the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce presented two Community Service Awards – one going to the Vote Yes for Kids Committee for earning an 82% approval rate for the June school bond election, and John McLeod for improving the lake by leading a volunteer group that has countless hours improving the Lake Mitchell Shoreline.
The “Volunteer of the Year” award went to Jennifer Haddon and 401 Create by LifeQuest for their valuable contribution to the Chamber and many other organizations, including the Mitchell Caring Closet and the newly formed Mitchell Area Inclusion Coalition. Her supervisor shared, “Jennifer gets others to get involved in the community by doing things they are personally interested in and has shown our community that we all can contribute!”
Mitchell Convention and Visitors Bureau presented the “Tourism Excellence Award” to the Mitchell Kiwanis Club for their outstanding efforts in organizing the Palace City Kiwanis Half Marathon, We Run for the Kids, which took place recently. This is the race’s 6th anniversary and the event continues to grow – in 2021 there were 150 registered runners and this year’s event attracted 239. Funds raised from the races have helped create the Kristi Arnold Memorial ‘Inclusive’ Playground at Kiwanis Park.
Mitchell Main Street & Beyond presented the “Main Street Champion Award” to Jeff Logan of Logan Luxury Theatres for his commitment to Mitchell’s Main Street and his service to numerous non-profit organizations including being the co-chair of the Forward 2040 ‘Enhance Mitchell’ task force.
The Mitchell Area Development Corporation presented the final award for the evening, the “Mitchell Family Business of the Year Award,” to Ron’s Bicycle and Locksmith Shop, a 3rd generation business, and a staple to the Mitchell community. Cody and Courtney Denne were recognized for providing group and family activities that promote nature, health, and togetherness.
The Mitchell Area Chamber, Development Corporation, and Main Street & Beyond were proud to recognize and congratulate these individuals and businesses on their contributions to Mitchell and the surrounding area.