Perry Chamber Annual Award Finalists Announced:
Annual Dinner & Celebration on Tuesday, April 1st at La Poste
Annual Dinner & Celebration on Tuesday, April 1st at La Poste
Perry, March 25, 2025 – The Perry Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Dinner on Tuesday, April 1st starting at 5:30pm at La Poste. Chamber Members have been encouraged to RSVP to enjoy the evening’s festivities with a social and dinner, followed by a program that will include speakers celebrating the past year’s successes and an award ceremony.
“The Chamber’s Annual Dinner gives us an opportunity as a community to recognize all the work of our members, businesses, and volunteers over the last year,” says Kelly Mills, the 2024 and 2025 Chamber Board President. “We are grateful to be able to come together and reflect back on the past year, look forward to the year ahead, and celebrate outstanding Chamber Members and individuals with an awards ceremony.”
The Chamber wishes to thank the community for their nominations for three annual awards – Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year.
The Spirit of Perry Business of the Year Award celebrates a business that best embodies the spirit of the Perry Chamber of Commerce and the Perry Community by serving as an example to others through their leadership, service and commitment. Finalists for Business of the Year include:
- DMACC VanKirk Career Academy, for their “dedication to the Perry area community, playing a leading role in the community’s recovery after the tragic January 4th school shooting and the Tyson meatpacking plant closure. DMACC provided a safe and accessible space for mental health services last January and then again opened their doors in July for displaced workers to access support services and to offer retraining and educational opportunities. Beyond crisis response, DMACC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Perry’s growth and vibrancy. Led by Director Eddie Diaz, DMACC staff actively participate in community development activities and lead various workforce development initiatives.”
- PACES, as a “cornerstone of the Perry community and providing high-quality before and afterschool programming that supports families with accessible and affordable care. Under the leadership of Mary Hillman, PACES has served the community for 25 years with a commitment to excellence and service, making a lasting impact on countless families, providing a safe, engaging, and enriching environment beyond the school day.
- Percival Scientific, as “a pillar of innovation and excellence in the manufacturing industry, and having completed a significant expansion in 2024 which has allowed for increased operations and reinforcing its status as a strong and reliable employer in Perry. Under the leadership of CEO Jake Oakland, Percival has not only strengthened its business but also deepened its commitment to the community and by doing so is ensuring a lasting and positive impact for years to come.”
The Jack Finneseth Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates an individual that best embodies the spirit and passion Mr. Finneseth had about volunteerism. Like Mr. Finneseth, these individuals goes above and beyond to ensure the success of many events and programs through selflessness and many volunteer hours, much of the time going unrecognized. Finalists for Volunteer of the Year include:
- Jeff Huitt for his “dedication to the Perry community as the President of Perry Economic Development, playing a crucial role in fostering economic resiliency and opportunity, working tirelessly to support local businesses and attract new investments. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the partnership between Perry Economic Development and the City of Perry, ensuring a collaborative approach to community advancement which will have a lasting impact on Perry’s economic well-being.”
- Ned Menke for his “passion and dedication as the President of the Perry Basketball Association, dedicating countless hours to creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes, organizing summer camps, youth outings, and coordinating tournament participation. His commitment to youth development extends beyond basketball, as he is also an active leader in Perry baseball, his church, and Optimist International, where he works to support the next generation, making a profound impact on Perry’s youth and families.”
- Cathie Sucher for her “dedication and selflessness, consistently volunteering her time at an animal shelter on a weekly basis, showing her compassion for both animals and her community. Her involvement in helping with prom planning demonstrates her commitment to supporting local events and making a positive impact. Cathie’s ability to balance her personal and professional life while always showing up to volunteer is a testament to her outstanding character and passion for giving back. She truly goes above and beyond to make a difference.”
The Chamber Ambassador of the Year celebrates a volunteer that has shown great dedication to the Perry Chamber of Commerce over the past year through their attendance and volunteerism, representing the Chamber at events and supporting the Mission of the Organization.
- Travis Landgrebe for “exemplifying the essence of community service with his dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Beyond his involvement in a number of community organizations, Travis has been an invaluable asset to the Perry Chamber of Commerce and the Perry Chamber Foundation, ensuring the success of both organizations and many community events.”
- Cherie Welch as “a past board member of the Chamber, dedicating many hours to making Perry a thriving community. Cherie’s leadership in organizing major events such as RVTV and the 2nd Street Block Party have brought people together, fostered local pride, and boosted economic activity for area businesses. Cherie is a proud Bluejay that is constantly showcasing her passion for strengthening Perry’s sense of community and connection.
- Larry Vodenik for “showing the Perry community that one person can wear many hats and be involved at any age. Larry has shared decades of his volunteerism with the Perry Chamber of Commerce and a number of organizations in the community. This is his third time serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and he is the only person that can say he has never missed a BRR Ride! He is a wonderful historian and champion for Perry.”
“It is inspiring to receive so many great nominations for these annual awards,” states Lynsi Pasutti, Executive Director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, “and it is truly a challenge to pare down the nomination letters to just a sentence or two for this announcement. Each individual and business recognized has done – and continues to do – such great work to serve the community.”
All nominees will be recognized at the Annual Dinner and the award recipients will be announced that night.
For more information about the Annual Dinner or to inquire about registration (which is now closed), contact the Perry Chamber of Commerce at Lynsi@PerryIAChamber.org or (515) 465-4601.
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About the Perry Chamber of Commerce
The Perry Chamber of Commerce serves as the central business organization in Perry, with the mission to be an advocate to its membership by promoting and encouraging growth in the community, business, and tourism.
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Lynsi Pasutti Executive Director
- March 26, 2025
- (515) 465-4601
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