Caitlyn Thomas
From professionals to volunteers to entrepreneurs and everything in between The North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corp. honored those that have and continue to make a positive impact on North Platte.
During their yearly meeting Thursday night at Venue 304, the Chamber presented 11 awards to members of the community.
President and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber of Commerce and Development Corp. Gary Person said the night was about celebrating people.
"The Chamber is all about serving the business community and the people that make up those businesses and help us become successful at what we do," he said.
With $2 billion worth of projects currently being added to the area, Person said it's important to recognize the people that made it possible.
"We know that those people need that pat on the back," he said. "Most of them don't want it, you know they're humble, that's not the reason they do things. But that makes it even more special when we can pat them on the back and honor them for what they've done and what they've accomplished."
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In addition to the awards, the Chamber also celebrated the passing of the torch from 2023-24 Chamber Board Chair Cory Johanson to Megan McGown, who will be serving as the 2024-25 chair.
Award recipients:
Community Impact Award - HOPE Esperanza and founder Tina Maria Fernandez
In recognition of her dedication and commitment to serving not only the Hispanic community in North Platte, but youth and families, the Chamber awarded Tina Maria Fernandez with the Community Impact Award. With HOPE, Fernandez has implemented numerous programs such as Spanish language learning, employment services and youth advisory.
Volunteer of the Year - Don Lucas.
For his passion for volunteerism and life-long service, Don Lucas was presented with the Volunteer of the Year award. A member of the North Platte Kiwanis, a Vietnam War veteran and a member of the North Platte Community Redevelopment Authority, Lucas has endlessly volunteered his time to make North Platte what it is today.
Volunteer Project of the Year - Legacy Projects, Jim Griffin, executive director of the Lincoln County Historical Museum.
Jim Griffin, for his work with several Legacy Projects with the Historical Society and Museum, was awarded the Volunteer Project of the Year award. Currently, Griffin is leading two Legacy Projects, one of which is in recognition of Lincoln County's early Japanese immigrants for their economical and agricultural contributions.
Professional of the Year - Eric Seacrest.
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A staple in North Platte, Eric Seacrest has left an indelible mark on the community over the last 56 years, which is why the Chamber presented him with the Professional of the Year award. A former CEO for Western Publishing where he oversaw the publication of The North Platte Telegraph and other western Nebraska newspapers, Seacrest is the current executive director for the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation,
Business CEO of the Year - David Briggs, Sustainable Beef.
avid Briggs was awarded the Business CEO of the Year award for his tireless work bringing Sustainable Beef to North Platte. With an expected economical impact of $1.2 billion for North Platte, Briggs has aided in expanding the city's industrial footprint.
Economic Development Partner of the Year - Nebraska Public Power District.
The chamber awarded the Economic Development Partner of the Year to Nebraska Public Power District for their consistent and dynamic work in western Nebraska.
Housing Developer Partner of the Year - Daren Wilkinson, Wilk Builders LLC.
Daren Wilkinson recently celebrated the building of his 65th home in North Platte since 2008, helping in growing housing developments in North Platte as more people move to the city. With his background in architecture, Wilkinson designs and creates all the drawings for each of his products.
Entrepreneurs of the Year - Michelle Whitson and Pat Laird, Feed & Co.
Understanding the needs of the customer is the basis of any successful company, and Michelle Whitson and Pat Laird make it a point at Feed & Co to do just that. In one year of being open, Feed & Co now serves a customer base that spans 100 miles and work with experts to ensure their customers' pets and animals are in safe hands.
New Business of the Year - Axes and Aces.
Axes and Aces owners Brian Schimek and Lisa Citta were presented with the New Business of the Year award. From ax throwing, to pickleball to indoor golf simulators, Axes and Aces has proven to be a hit for all ages in North Platte.
Business of the Year - Beveridge Inc.
For 109 years Beveridge Inc. has been a family owned business serving the North Platte Community. Their commitment to the community can be seen in their recent $1 million donation to the Recreation Center and pool improvement project, and their other philanthropic efforts in North Platte.
Lifetime Chamber Legacy Award - Tim O'Connor, Sports Shoppe and Big Red Etc.
The last award of the night was presented to Tim O'Connor for his 47 years with the Sports Shoppe and Big Red Etc. Making sure the community has their scarlet and cream for Husker football game days, O'Connor has been a steadfast part of North Platte.
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