Terri Martin Mainstreet Volunteer Award

Employees of the Month Honored

Paul Oson Award Daniel Hystad

Humorist Speaker Juli

Le Mars Chamber Annual Dinner

Bosses of the Quarter Honored

Mobile Website available at www.icecreamdays.info

Perspective Insurance has a special congratulation to extend to the Support Staff, as they have been selected as the January 2020 LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce Employees of the Month. The support staff at Perspective Insurance has been the backbone of this organization in one way or another for nearly two decades. Both serving our customers individually as AmBank Insurance and Bixenman Insurance, and together as Perspective Insurance, you will not find a better support staff anywhere. The amount of customer and industry knowledge, experience, dedication and most importantly the level of care they provide in their everyday jobs is unparalleled. We are truly fortunate to have all of them here working within our agency, as we would not be nearly as successful without them. Whether you send an email, pick up the phone, or stop by the office, you can absolutely count on seeing one of their faces ready and willing to help, no matter the reason for the visit. This award can’t begin to show how thankful we are to work with you all. It’s with great pleasure that we recognize the Perspective Insurance Support Staff as the January 2020 LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce Employees of the Month. Nominated by Matt Lancaster

In nominating Doug Downing as the LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce Boss of the Quarter, Primebank Vice President and co-worker Lisa Boehm indicated that being of good character can be defined as possessing and displaying virtues such as honesty, kindness, trustworthiness, generosity and fairness. Currently serving as Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, and a member of the Primebank Board of Directors, Doug Downing consistently demonstrates good character in his treatment of customers and co-workers alike. Building upon teamwork whenever possible, Doug communicates in a manner that is both inclusive and candid. While not one to coddle his staff, Doug is always there to listen and provide support and guidance. He has an innate ability to find the right blend of praise mixed with constructive criticism in order to bring out the best in people. Honest and open, Doug is always happy to provide feedback in order to help others grow and take on more challenges and responsibilities. A graduate of LeMars Community High School and Westmar College, Doug began his career in banking as an Examiner with the State Division of Banking. From there he went on to serve as an officer and director at a small bank in Central Iowa, before returning to his home community in 1989 and accepting a lending position with Primebank. Today, in addition to his duties as a lending officer, Doug also heads Primebank’s Credit Division, including the Credit Review Department, and the Centralized Loan Servicing Department; serves as Primebank’s Chief Credit Officer; and is a member of Primebank’s Board of Directors. In adding his support to Doug’s nomination for Boss of the Quarter, Primebank CEO Matt Ahlers indicated his appreciation for Doug’s contribution to Primebank’s success. Doug can be counted on to provide sound advice and counsel not only to those he supervises, but to his customers as well. We are grateful to count Doug as one of Primebank’s many assets.

Support Staff – Perspective Insurance January Employees of the Month

Douglas Downing– Sr. V.P. and Chief Credit Officer, Director Primebank 1st Quarter Boss

Each year we ask our Youth on Main Street participants to identify at least one project that enhances our community. One of the projects this year's group identified is to spruce up the windows of vacant downtown storefronts. The first effort is to provide some Valentine's Day artwork. The property owners were contacted and their approval was obtained. Here are pictures of the students at work. Ms. Kathy Bork, Art Instructor at Le Mars Community School provided the guidance. Student participants included students in YoMS plus LCHS Art Club students. The windows are on Bad Habits Boutique on Plymouth Street and Frugal Fusion on Central Ave. In the action shot at Bad Habits Boutique the participants are from left to right: Sydney Reeves, Lakia Eilts, Kathy Bork, Joseph Rosener and Sere Chung.

In the group shot by Frugal Fusion, from left to right: Joseph Rosener, Syndey Reeves, Kathy Bork and Lakia Eilts. Sere Chung had to leave before we could get to this storefront. The Youth on Main Street program is sponsored by Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission and Le Mars Main Street Program. Program mentors are Becky Klohs and Richard Ziettlow

The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Youth on Main Street program has been selected as one of the presentations at National Alliance of Preservationists Forum "Engaging the Next Generation of Preservationists" theme. The Forum is in Tacoma, Washington, July 22-25. Our presentation time is on Saturday the 25th from 10:15-11:45. Rich Ziettlow will present the program.

Chamber Coffee Schedule

Welcome Heidi Nemmers as the new Chamber Operations Manager. Stop by the Chamber Office and say “hello.” Heidi’s friendly disposition will welcome many to Le Mars and we’re looking forward to the resource she will be for Chamber members. One of her strongest attributes? She’s a two-fisted ice cream eater!