Winnebago Chamber of Commerce holds awards night

By Doug Schroder, Editor

Pat Wakely receives the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award from last years’ winner Jim Calvert, as Board President Elizabeth Johnson-Lovett looks on, at the Winnebago Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Night and annual meeting at the Seward Community Center on Thursday, March 15.
DOUG SCHRODER PHOTOS The Gazette

The Winnebago Chamber of Commerce held their yearly awards night on Thursday, March 15, at the Seward Community Center in Seward. Guests were first treated to a scrumptious dinner from 6-7 p.m., which was catered by various businesses from Winnebago, Seward, and Durand. After dinner, Winnebago Chamber of Commerce Board President Elizabeth Johnson-Lovett introduced the featured speaker and then attendees listened to a speech by Winnebago Fire Chief Robert Martin. Chief Martin spoke about the history of the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District and how the department has change over the years. The District is named Win-Bur-Sew because it covers the townships of Winnebago, Burritt and Seward. Chief Martin also spoke about the increase in calls and how much more the department is needed than it used to be.

After Chief Martin’s speech, Board President Elizabeth Johnson-Lovett then recognized past award winners and then introduced the 2017 nominees for citizen and business of the year.

To read the full story pick up a copy of the 3/22 issue of the Gazette