For the first time since January 2020, local leaders gathered for the annual Carroll Chamber of Commerce Banquet and presented their community awards, including Heritage Business. Due to last year’s event being canceled due to COVID, the Chamber recognized both the 2020 and 2021 recipients. This award is presented to longstanding businesses that have made lasting impressions on the community they call home. Former Kuemper Athletic Director, Tim Fitzpatrick, provided the introduction for the 2020 Heritage Business Award winner.
Deb Quandt opened Fusion Dance in August 1969 with just 32 students. In the five decades since then, Fusion Dance has expanded to serve thousands of aspiring dancers with studios in Carroll, Omaha, and Solana Beach, Calif. The next generation, Heather, Heidi, and Justin, continues to grow the business. Quandt thanks the community for their support and love for dance over the last 50-plus years.
The 2021 Heritage Business recipient was then introduced by K’Lynn Ludwig, the chief human resources officer with Availa Bank.
New Hope Chief Executive Officer, Steven Kopecky, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. He says he had heard tales of the incredible community support Carroll had for New Hope and its clients, but being on the receiving end is a different story.
Nine other awards were presented during the 2022 Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Wednesday evening at the Carrollton Center. A full list of those recipients 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
