The mood was positive and the message was inspirational at Saturday night’s Box Butte Development Corporation annual meeting and banquet, celebrating the 30th anniversary of BBDC.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Westside Event Center and heard a variety of speakers discuss the subject of economic development.

Former BBDC president Ellen Lierk discussed the similarities between economic development and the game of football.  Just like the Huskers, panhandle business owners and BBDC staff practice, prepare and are in a constant state of readiness for opportunities to present themselves.

Box Butte Development Corporation Executive Director Chelsie Herian addressed attendees on the busy year for BBDC, and expressed personal thanks for all the hard work done by board members and volunteers during 2016.  Herian also noted the large number of startup businesses, businesses changing hands, and business expansions in the past year.

Historic Main Street Alliance Director Holly Heath recapped Main Street activities in 2016 including the popular Hollywood Squares, Gong Show and Bands On The Bricks events.  Heath noted that even with two evenings affected by rain delays, Bands On The Bricks attendance exceeded the series’ first year, with over 1,000 attendees on many nights.

During the awards portion of the evening, Box Butte Development Corporation named Callan and Gina Ackerman as Entrepreneurs of the Year; and Box Butte General Hospital as Business Of The Year.  Historic Main Street Alliance named Fizzy’s as Main Street Merchant of the Year, and Eagle Radio’s Kalin Krohe was honored as Main Street Community Ambassador.

Below: Photos of the award winners and other moments from Saturday’s banquet.

The Box Butte Development 30th anniversary
logo, unveiled at Saturday’s meeting and banquet.

 

Kevin Horn reads a letter from a former
BBDC President.

Historic Main Street Director Holly Heath
(right) presents the “Main Street Merchant
of the Year” awards to Whitney Baldwin of
Fizzy’s Dine In and Drive Up.

Heath with Main Street Community
Ambassador award winner Kalin Krohe.
In addition to his duties as Eagle Radio
News Director, Krohe serves on a variety
of community boards and committees.

L to R: BBDC Entrepreneurs of the Year
Callan and Gina Ackerman; and BBDC
Director Chelsie Herian.

Accepting the award for BBDC Business
of the year are, L to R: Box Butte General
Hospital Interim CEO Lori Mazanec, CFO
Bridget Miller, and Marketing Specialist
Kristi Ellstrom

Ellen Dillon (left) is honored for her service
to BBDC.