The Iowa Economic Development Authority in conjunction with Main Street Iowa hosted their 27th annual Main Street Iowa Awards celebration last week, and one Guthrie Center resident was recognized for the extensive work he’s done in the community.

Ken Laughery was named one of the recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award for the work he’s done with Main Street Guthrie Center, and he says he’s honored to receive such recognition.

“It’s pretty humbling when you get an award like that (that’s) voted on by your peers.  There was a lot of people that worked as hard or harder than I did (to get the Main Street designation), I’m just the one that got out in the forefront.  I really appreciate all the support I got.”

Laughery was one of 51 individuals or couples from around the state to receive a Volunteer of the Year Award, which they garnered as a result of their “outstanding dedication and volunteer service benefiting local Main Street programs.”   

Looking back at last week’s Main Street Iowa celebration, Laughery says he learned some things that have him excited for the future of the program in his town.

“The potential that we hold being part of this tight-knit group, seeing Woodbine up as a nominee for the National Main Street Community of the Year is just… In six short years, what they’ve accomplished and how far Guthrie Center can go because I know we have the support from the community that they had… If we just make the right tactical moves and have the success, even half the experience (Woodbine) has experienced, that would just be awesome.”

Next up for Main Street Guthrie Center is hiring an executive director for the organization.  Laughery says five people applied for the all-important position, and final round interviews will be held in just a couple of weeks.

Main Street Guthrie Center wants to have the executive director hired by no later than July 1st.