The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Hormel Historic Home.

Following a dinner catered by Bella Victoria and dessert, the membership business meeting was held. Kris Johnson, Mayo Health Care System–Austin, Justin Akkerman, Akkerman Inc, Israel Gonzalez, 1910 Fresh Mexican Kitchen and Mark Nibaur, Austin Utilities were elected to the board of directors for a three-year term. Additionally, awards were given out for Lifetime Achievement, Volunteer of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Ambassador Team of the Year, Past President and Board Chair Award, as well as recognition for six of the Founding Members.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was established by the Chamber Board of Directors in 2002 as a means of raising awareness of the contributions business leaders make to the community and our local economy. Nominees can be current or retired business owners or managers with 20 or more years of service. Consideration is given for business success, Chamber and community involvement, leadership and promotion of the business community.

Joe Fuhrman, former realtor, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Starting at Britt Real Estate, Fuhrman has been a Realtor since 1976. In 1980, he decided to open his own firm in Austin, Fuhrman Real Estate, selling $8-$10 million dollars in real estate every year. In 2017 he joined forces with Re/Max Results until his retirement in October of this year.

“I feel buying and selling your home is a monumental decision. With my care and expertise, I will meet your family’s real estate goals. As an experienced Realtor, I am an active member of our community working towards a positive future for the Austin area … and you” Fuhrman said.

Fuhrman has been a very active member of the Austin community, having served on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors and several committees. He is also an active board member at St. Edwards Catholic Church and on the church council. He has also served on the Welcome Center and the Salvation Army boards.

Dale Wicks was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Dale is serving his second term on the Board of Directors and is also a member of the Executive, Agri-Business, Government Affairs, Grow Minnesota, and Human Resources Committees, the Workforce Development Taskforce and a year leader for Leadership Austin. Dale demonstrates his commitment to the success of the Chamber through his formal service on the board and these committees. He also goes above and beyond and answers the call for many special projects. We also want to recognize the support of Dale’s employer, Quality Pork Processors, who share Dale with the Chamber and community.

May 10, 2020, will mark our 80th anniversary as the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. Since the incorporation of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, these founding members have had continuous membership. Founding Member Awards went to Adams, Rizzi & Sween P.A., Austin Daily Herald, Austin Veterinary Clinic, Credit Bureau, Home Federal Savings Bank and US Bank.

Jana Norman, incoming chamber board chair and publisher for the Austin Daily Herald, presented Bill Budion, Austin Country Club Manager, with the Past President Award for his service in 2018 and the Board Chair ward for his continued leadership in 2019. Norman acknowledged Budion’s tremendous leadership through the transition of chamber staff and programming.

Lisa Gresham was awarded with the Ambassador of the Year Award, presented by current Ambassador President, Jaclyn Bird. The Ambassador Team of the Year Award went to Justin Bickler, Brandon Duclos, Shannon Elkin, Lisa Gresham, Tasha Kroneman, Brenda Landherr, Molly Lanke, Alissa Penkava and Tim Ross.

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business organization serving nearly 400 area member businesses. The chamber’s mission is to support our members by promoting local commerce, advocating business perspectives and establishing relationships for business and community success. For more information about the chamber please visit us www.austincoc.com or come by our office at 329 N. Main Street in Austin.