(KNZA)-- The Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting Monday evening  at the Fisher Community Center.

The meeting included the presentation of the organization’s  annual awards.
The “ Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Thomas Schuetz, for the role in played in the renovation of the Arrow Twin Theatre. The “ Business of the Year” award went to Rainbow Communications, and receiving the “ the Civil Servant of the Year” award was Corinne Weldon for her work with the Latchkey program.

Besides their annual awards, the Chamber presented a special award  to the family of late longtime Hiawatha police officer Michael Thompson in appreciation of his honorable service to the community. Thompson, who had served as an officer since 1978, died January 6th. 

Outgoing Chamber Board President Carrie Potter said last year was a good year for the Chamber, with a lot of exciting changes—including the hiring of Eric Thompson as the organization’s new director.  Besides their traditional events, Potter said the Chamber added several new ones.  Those included a soldier sendoff in June; 4th of July festivities which included an auto show and barbecue competition; and a holiday homes tour, which Potter said was a big success.

Mike Twombly will serve as Chamber Board President for 2016; Joey May, vice-president; Jake Wisdom, treasurer and Felicia Cortez, treasurer.  Other board members include Mike Grier, Sarah Davies, Kate Miller, David Schmidt and Seth Tollefson.

Guest speakers at the meeting include Ian Schuetz with Hiawatha ACES and Hiawatha Mayor Steffen Shamburg.