Kudos given at Community Honors

Local leaders were recognized at the Community Honors event held Friday, March 25.

Among the big winners were three local businesses and a New Rockford couple who have volunteered for many organizations and events for decades.

Community members had the opportunity to nominate individuals and businesses for three special awards handed out by the NRABC and the New Rockford Park District.

Rick and Kristi Swenson received the Volunteer of the Year Award. This award is presented to outstanding volunteers whose dedicated service has made a significant difference in our community. The Swensons have been actively involved in the Lions Club, park board, fire department, church boards, kids activities and many more.

"They are always volunteering to help with concessions, setting up and running around," NRABC Executive Director Amanda Hegland said. "They volunteer throughout the region, helping with vision screenings for elementary students and daycares ... They truly care about the youth activities in the community."

The New Rockford Eagles Club was the recipient of the Community Impact Award. "This business and organization has gone above and beyond to help out many organizations in New Rockford," Hegland remarked. "They truly want to see New Rockford succeed with any venture. The amount of money they have donated is phenomenal."

"The Rocks Most Remarkable" honor was shared by two businesses that represent the community's desire to be an arts and entertainment destination.

The first recipient was Rock Inn, owned by Travis and Amy Steele. They were recognized for seeing a need for more lodging, renovating a vacant building and taking a risk.

"The amount of love and care they put into their business and customers is great," Hegland remarked. Speaker Tracey Miller added that in her work at the N.D. Department of Commerce, she has heard many times that communities want more lodging, but seldom ever see a private business set down roots.

Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts in downtown New Rockford was the other recipient. "They bring in bus loads of people to our community. They put NR on the map," Hegland noted. "They work to make New Rockford a tourist destination for the arts."

The New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards to businesses who have continuously served the community for 25 or 50 years. The New Rockford Lions Club, A to Z Tax Service, Central Insurance Agency and Nicolai Chiropractic Center were the Silver Longevity Award (25 years) recipients. Thompson Apiaries was recognized with a Gold Longevity Award for 50 years of continuous operation in the city.