As we’ve reported, the Perry Chamber honored outstanding businesses and individuals at their annual dinner Tuesday.

Executive Director Bob Wilson says deciding who will receive the awards is always a tough decision for the Board but this year’s recipients are very deserving.

Wilson says Spirit of Perry Business of the Year award winners at La Poste were chosen for continuously going “above and beyond” not only for customers but for the betterment of the overall community as well.

“The neat thing, and I think what kind of gave the green light for the (Chamber Board) to really honor them was when (co-owner) Jenny (Eklund) hosts a wedding or books a wedding she promotes the hotel, she promotes local caterers, Hy-Vee, she promotes local photographers, Hartman’s Floral.  It’s all about that local aspect and that’s the key to successful business in a small town, we all have to work together.”

Wilson adds that Citizen of the Year Ned Menke was selected for the honor after a successful season both on and off the court as the Perry High School boys’ basketball coach, an elementary administrator and community member.

“The neat thing is watching Ned lead these young gentlemen, his character is amazing.  Ned has such an even keel kind of attitude and really made (the team) such a huge success.  But beyond that, (the award) goes to the community school district as well.  You obviously know some of the controversy and some of that stuff going on at the basketball games, but that’s neither here nor there.  But Ned kept the focus and kept that team doing the right thing.  I think he’s somebody we can really get behind.  He’s just a great community member, a great community school employee, he’s great at the elementary.  It was just a no brainer.”

Tomorrow we will highlight this year’s Jack Finneseth Volunteer of the Year and Young Professional of the Year award winners.