All upbeat at Chamber dinner

• Chamber honorees

Award recipients at the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau annual meeting pose with their plaques. From left to right are Bruce Lease, Lori Nelson, Bruce Viessman, Mark Nelson, Zuby Jansen and Ken Jansen.

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WORTHINGTON — Even in the face of a down economy, Wally Onnen delivered a message of optimism at the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau’s annual meeting Friday night at the Travelodge Hotel.

“We’ve had quite a year. It was a very challenging year with the economy being what it is … but I’m happy to report we have a balanced budget and we’re ready for the next year,” said Onnen, past chairman of the board.

He reported a total of 25 ribbon-cutting ceremonies at new businesses last year, in addition to the addition of a local farmers’ market and a successful Wild Turkey Shootout that raised more than $7,900 for local youth programs.

“Your efforts are relentless; it’s what makes this community proud,” Onnen told the board before previewing this year’s big project — the placement of flags representing nearly 50 ethnicities on Humiston Avenue.

Onnen presented Doug Tate of Worthington Federal Savings Bank with a plaque for his service to the chamber and community, before handing the reigns to 2010 chairwoman Diane Schettler.

Schettler detailed the Chamber’s goals for the coming year: Bridging the gaps between ethnic businesses, completing a marketing plan, and increasing hunting opportunities and bus tours in the community.

“In order to make us successful it’s going to take each and every one of you,” she told the group.

The Friend of Education Award was given to Bruce Viessman, a Booster Club member and co-chair of the operating referendum campaign.

In presenting the award, Tate praised Viessman’s “participation in numerous events — not only as a devoted spectator, but as a worker.”

“(He) has spent countless hours in helping to support the district’s students,” Tate said. “Without a supporter like this individual, District 518 would not continue to excel.”

“It’s a pleasure to serve the community,” said Viessman, thanking those he has worked with. “When you’re a part of something this big with the Chamber and the district, you can’t do it alone.”

Two local businesses. Crafty Corner and Mark’s Towing, were honored with the Worthington Hospitality Award.

The Visitors Bureau office received a letter from a couple who was assisted by the businesses when their car broke down south of Worthington. The couple was en route to Princeton and did not know who to call for help. The letter writer remembered the telephone number of Crafty Corner, where she had shopped before. A staff member at the store got the couple the number for Mark’s Towing.

“Mark towed us into Worthington and the Chrysler dealership and waited to make sure they could work on our van. … Mark was very gracious and offered to drop me off at the quilt shop, as he was going right by; instead of me sitting in the dealership for two to three hours,” said presenter Becky Berning, in quoting from the letter. “Thanks to all your business people for making what started as an inconvenience into a neat experience.”

“I got real great help; it’s not just me,” said Mark Nelson of Mark’s Towing. “It’s everyone in the community.”

Zuby Jansen of Crafty Corner joked that maybe she and Nelson could work out a deal to drop clients at her store while their vehicles were repaired.

The Community Service Award recipient was longtime area resident and radioman Bruce Lease. The award was presented by his friend and co-worker of 20 years, Larry Rogers, who described him as a “compassionate person who has given freely of his time, passion and talent.”

He detailed Lease’s many contributions to the community, from delivering “Meals on Wheels” to volunteering at a local orchard serving apple pie.

“He claimed that it was volunteering. I have seen him work with one hand passing it out and one hand shoveling it in,” joked Rogers.

Lease was also the recipient of many FFA awards, a former chair of the Water and Light Commission and former city councilman, and an active member of First United Methodist Church. He is a Korean War veteran.

“Thank you Larry. I didn’t know I was that good,” joked Lease in accepting the award. “Longevity seemed to have gotten it for me. I hate to get an award for having a good time.”

He finished his short speech with his signature line, well-known from his years of working as a farm broadcaster at KWOA and KITN in Worthington.

“It is a beautiful day in Worthington,” he said to cheers from an appreciative audience.

Tags: news, worthington, chamber