Business and community leaders gathered at the Carrollton Center last night (Wednesday) to recognize the successes and challenges of the past two years. Jan. 27, 2020 was the last time the Carroll Chamber of Commerce hosted its banquet, and much has changed since then. The Chamber welcomed a new Executive Director, Kimberly Tiefenthaler, Carroll Area Development Corporation President, Jim Auen, passed the gavel on to Mike Franey, the organization’s incoming president, and the Chamber caught up on a missed year of award presentations from the 2021 banquet, which was canceled due to COVID. The 2020 New Business of the Year Award was presented to I Saw the Sign, while Riesberg Audio took home 2021’s honors. Fusion Dance was the Chamber’s 2020 honoree for Heritage Business, and New Hope took home the 2021 award in their 45th year of operations here in Carroll. The 2020 Humanitarian Award went to Luanne Kustra for her ceaseless efforts to provide food, books, and other necessities to families in need in the area. The 2021 Humanitarian Award was a group effort presented to the St. John Lutheran Church Meal Committee for their commitment to hosting a free meal each month to bring residents together for a delicious dinner together. The 2020 Good Neighbor Award went to Bill Schrad for his outstanding Christmas displays at his home off of Highway 30 west of Carroll. As for the Public Service Awards, the 2020 winner was announced as Mark Skillen, a Carroll Community School District (CCSD) custodian who makes it his mission to ensure every student, teacher, and staff member has a great day within the district’s walls. Region XII Executive Director, Rick Hunsaker, was announced as the 2021 Public Service Award recipient in recognition of his tireless efforts to help cities, schools, and other public entities navigate the complexities of grant applications and state and federal government programs. And finally, to the Citizen of the Year. 2020’s honor was awarded to Carol Gronstal in recognition of a lifetime of commitment to the community of Carroll and its residents. The 2021 Citizen of the Year honor was given to Mary Swanson, whose mark on Carroll will be felt for decades to come. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more from Wednesday’s banquet and the winners in upcoming newscasts.
