Nearly a dozen awards were presented to deserving individuals and organizations at last night’s (Wednesday) Carroll Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Two people went home with the Chamber’s highest annual honor, the Citizen of the Year. Last year’s banquet was canceled due to COVID, so the 2020 and 2021 honorees were recognized. Doug Burns, who was named 2019’s Citizen of the Year, notes the 2020 recipient’s family roots stretch back to Carroll County’s first bank in the 1870s, and her influence can be seen throughout the community.
Carol Gronstal joked that there was a moment during the introduction when she finally realized Burns was referring to her. According to Gronstal, two things immediately came to mind when she was trying to figure out what she would say.
Burns then introduced the 2021 Citizen of the Year by highlighting their many contributions to the area. She operated a business in the downtown district, served on the St. Anthony Hospital Auxiliary, and more. He says this individual is the combination of all the attributes that make Carroll thrive.
Unfortunately, Mary Swanson was unable to attend Wednesday’s banquet. However, her brother, Jim Greteman, was able to share a thank you letter she prepared.
Nine other awards were presented at Wednesday’s banquet. A full list of those honorees can be found below.
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New Business (2020): I Saw the Sign
New Business (2021): Riesberg Audio
Heritage Business (2020): Fusion Dance
Heritage Business (2021): New Hope
Humanitarian Award (2020): Luanne Kustra
Humanitarian Award (2021): St. John Lutheran Church Community Meal Committee
Good Neighbor (2020): Bill Schrad
Public Service (2020): Mark Skillen
Public Service (2021): Rick Hunsaker
Citizen of the Year (2020): Carol Gronstal
Citizen of the Year (2021): Mary Swanson
