This past Friday, March 12th, Valley County Economic Development, the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and Valley County Community Foundation Fund “honored the goodness” of 2020 with a Virtual Annual Celebration. In a year that many will look back on as difficult, these community groups chose to look reflect on 2020 with gratitude.
This year’s Annual Celebration was extended beyond one award ceremony in order to highlight all those who accomplished great things in 2020. Beginning March 7, videos of Valley County residents, businesses and organizations were posted on the Ord, NE Facebook page. The kick-off to this video series was a reel of heartwarming statements from video participants explaining why they loved living in Valley County. Throughout the week leading up to the virtual award celebration, two videos a day were posted to share the goodness. Business and organizations that were featured in these videos include, The Golden Husk, Synovation Valley Leadership Academy, The Boardroom, Ord Locker, Hey Honey Boutique, Valley County Tourism, 47 County Business Boost Program and Loup Valley Childhood Initiative.
In an effort to highlight the resiliency of area restaurants and bars, community members were invited to order from Annual Celebration Menus at participating restaurants and bars. These menus were offered to go so attendees could enjoy good food while watching the Virtual Annual Celebration from the comfort of their own home.
The winners of 2020 Annual Celebration awards were announced virtually on Friday, March 12th at 7:30pm and are as follows:
Partner in Progress: Linda’s Preschool & Afterschool Program
Rising Star Award: Normal Roasting Company
Interactive Media and/or Website Award: Utopia Spa & Health Studio
Bridge Builder Award: Melani Flynn
Community Development & Improvement Award: Loup Basin Public Health Department
Excellence in Agribusiness Award: Ord Locker
Outstanding Public Service Award: Traci Fahrenholz
Exceptional Young Citizen Award: Vickie Ference
Dynamic Young Community Leader: Dr. Taylor Smith
High Impact Organization: The Golden Husk
Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to all who spread goodness in Valley County, not just in 2020, but every year. To view the Annual Celebration Video Series, go to the Ord, NE Facebook page.
