We are excited to be hosting our 101st Annual Meeting, on Monday, January 20, 2020 at the Younes Conference Center. This celebration will highlight the teamwork and dedication that has built the foundation for success at the Chamber, as well as recognizing the accomplishments of the Kearney business community and honored guests.
DETAILS.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS.
SOCIAL HOUR | 5:30 PM
DINNER | 6:15 PM
PROGRAM | 7:00 PM
This year’s emcee is a local business owner, Lauren Bonk. Bonk, owner of the Curtain and Pen Copywriting Services, hails from Kearney, NE, where she works as a freelance copywriter for small businesses, startups, and even larger corporate entities in need of professionally-written marketing content for their businesses and organizations. She is the co-founder of the Kearney Area Entrepreneurs business owner support group, and is also on the board of directors at Kearney Community Theatre, where she finds great satisfaction in supporting our thriving arts community.
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EMCEE:
LAUREN BONK
OWNER OF THE CURTAIN + PEN
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KEYNOTE:
TED CARTER
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA SYSTEM
Vice Adm. Walter E. “Ted” Carter became the 62nd superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy July 23, 2014. He is a native of Burrillville, Rhode Island. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981, was designated a naval flight officer in 1982, and graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (NFWS) Top Gun in 1985. He completed the Air Command and Staff College course and the Armed Forces Staff College. In 2001, he completed the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program.
Carter’s career as an aviator includes extensive time at sea, deploying around the globe in the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14 Tomcat. He has landed on 19 different aircraft carriers, to include all 10 of the Nimitz Class carriers. Carter commanded the Fighter Squadron (VF) 14 “Tophatters,” served as executive officer of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and commanded both USS Camden (AOE 2) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). His most recent fleet command assignment was commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 during Big E’s final combat deployment as a 51-year-old aircraft carrier in 2012.
Ashore, Carter served as chief of staff for Fighter Wing Pacific and executive assistant to the deputy commander, U.S. Central Command. He served as commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command and subsequently as lead for the Transition Planning Team during the disestablishment of U.S. Joint Forces Command in 2011. After leading Task Force RESILIENT (a study in suicide related behaviors), he established the 21st Century Sailor Office (OPNAV N17) as its first director in 2013. Most recently, Carter served as the 54th president of the U.S. Naval War College. During his tenure, he established the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center in Newport, Rhode Island, May 1, 2014.
Carter flew 125 combat missions in support of joint operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He accumulated 6,150 flight hours in F-4, F-14, and F-18 aircraft during his career and safely completed 2,016 carrier-arrested landings, the record among all active and retired U.S. Naval Aviation designators.
Carter is the recipient of various personal awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat V, Bronze Star, Air Medal (two with Combat V and five strike/flight), and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two with Combat V). He was awarded the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award and the U.S. Navy League’s John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership. Carter was also appointed an honorary master chief by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy in 2008. In April 2015, Carter was inducted into the prestigious Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.
2019 USS MIDWAY (CV-41) Patriot Award
Career Naval Flight Officer with over 6,300 flying hours in tactical jet aircraft with extensive combat experience. Flew from 19 different aircraft carriers. Completed 2,016 carrier arrested landings: a record in Naval Aviation history.
The University of Nebraska is formally welcomed Mr. Walter "Ted" Carter as the eighth president of the University of Nebraska system on Dec. 5th.
101ST ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS.
PAST AWARD WINNERS.
FRIEND OF KEARNEY PRESENTED BY THE ENVOYS
2019 Award Winner: Gene Beerbohm
Past Award Winners: 2018 Ron Bielenberg | 2017 Ken & Bonnie Mumm | 2016 Carolyn Menke | 2015 Jan Rodehorst | 2014 Tom & Mary Henning | 2013 Stan Dart | 2012 Gail Lowenberg | 2011 Tom Tye | 2010 Sherry Morrow | 2009 Paul Younes | 2008 Brad Kernick | 2007 Jackie Purdy | 2006 Earl Rademacher | 2005 Pete & Jane Kotsiopulos
YOUTH FRIEND OF KEARNEY PRESENTED BY THE ENVOYS
2019 Award Winner: Liza Trettel
Past Award Winners: 2018 Max Rademacher | 2017 Laila Saadi | 2016 Claire Homan | 2015 Michelle Messbarger | 2014 Justus Hanson | 2013 Tori Olson | 2012 Davis Behle | 2011 Jack Anderson | 2010 Hannah Manley | 2009 Jake Strawhecker | 2008 Callan Christensen | 2007 Sarah Warth | 2006 Mike Davidson | 2005 Jared Loschen
DIVERSITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY THE BUSINESS & EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Past Award Winners: 2014 Compass | 2013 Ward Laboratories | 2012 Good Samaritan Hospital | 2011 Xpanxion | 2010 Habitat for Humanity | 2009 Kearney High School | 2008 UNK | 2007 Eaton Corporation
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY THE KACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2019 Award Winner: Sayler Screenprinting
Past Award Winner: 2018 Maverick Marketing
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY THE BUSINESS & EDUCATION COMMITTEE
2019 Award Winner: BluePrint Engines
Past Awards Winners: 2018 West Pharmaceutical Services | 2017 Eaton Corporation | 2016 Miller & Associates Consulting Engineers PC 2016 | 2015 Xpanxion
LEADERSHIP KEARNEY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI PRESENTED BY LEADERSHIP KEARNEY
2019 Award Winner: Alex Straatmann
Past Award Winners: 2018 Paul Kenney | 2017 Bruce Lear | 2016 Jon Watts | 2015 Matt Meister | 2014 Dan Shundoff | 2013 Mike Konz | 2012 Cindy Pickel | 2011 Daniel Lindstrom | 2010 Sherry Morrow | 2009 Thomas Tye II | 2008 Stan Clouse | 2007 Lucas Dart | 2006 Ben Homan Sr | 2005 Mark Sutko
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY THE KACC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2019 Award Winner: Sayler Screenprinting
Past Award Winners: 2014 Vertical Focus Realty/Kearney Rental Pros | 2013 Barney Abstract & Title Co. | 2012 Kearney PowerSports | 2011 Perfect Nails | 2010 Kearney Tire & Auto | 2009 Wilke Donovan True Value | 2008 Doug Koster/ Mr. Basketball | 2007 Ward Laboratories | 2006 Runza Restaurants | 2005 Tri-City Storm
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY YPN
2019 Award Winner: Nathan Husak
Past Award Winners: 2018 Allie Marchand | 2017 JoAnn Andersen | 2016 Cody Krull | 2015 Jennifer Beck | 2014 Penny Parker | 2013 Jonathan Nikkila | 2012 Jon Watts | 2011 Jeffrey Kreycik | 2010 Ryan Ideus | 2009 Brandon Benitz | 2008 Andrea McClintic