4/23/2024 Perry Chamber Annual Award Finalists Announced

 
 
Perry, April 23, 2024 – The Perry Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Dinner on Tuesday, April 30^th 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 Misty VonBehren, the 2023 Chamber President. “We are grateful to be able to come together and celebrate successes from the past year.”
 
The Chamber wishes to thank the community for their nominations for two annual awards – Business of the Year and Volunteer 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:
 

• Dallas County Hospital for “investing in the health of the community by adding new service lines to accommodate more patients, including psychiatry, along with reintroducing orthopedics, pulmonology, and oncology to keep care close to home for those in need, and for providing over $1,000,000 in charity care given away to serve those who were underinsured or uninsured, and implementing a financial counselor role to even better serve those patients.”

 

• DMACC VanKirk Academy for “leading efforts in workforce development and career pathway exploration, and being committed to providing strong educational experiences, partnerships and community engagement in Perry. Through innovative programs and partnerships, DMACC closely collaborates with local businesses to ensure relevant curriculum for building a strong workforce, and empowering students to discover their passions and prepare for successful futures.”

 

• Domino’s Pizza for “their service and dedication to our community seen in multiple ways - from highlighting, promoting, and thanking other area businesses, to donating to numerous community causes, and the overall quality of service that is provided by the business.”

 
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, this individual 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:
 

• Andrea Brownlee for “always being willing to answer the call to volunteer, spending countless hours to help out at a variety of Chamber events including the Farmers Markets, 2^nd Street Block Party, and BRR, but also with the Perry Fire Department and with her ministerial work.”

 

• Travis Landgrebe for “exemplifying the essence of community service with his dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others through his involvement with youth sports boards and coaching, the Perry School Board, and Elks Lodge, providing guidance and mentorship, motivating others to strive for success, and enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for all students in the community.”

 

• Matt McDevitt for “his tireless efforts and commitment to the Perry Community, providing his leadership, dedication, and unwavering positivity to support organizations such as the Nudgers and Perry Economic Development, playing a pivotal role in driving positive change and fostering community engagement.”

 
“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 have done – and continue 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.
 
   
 
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.