Business… with ample doses of fun

“Kinner’s Winners” ­— from left, Nathan and Lynae Kinner, Cal and Deb Ludeman, and Gail and Duane DeSmet — topped the “Sassy Lassie” trivia contest at the end of Saturday night’s banquet.

Chamber celebrates, looks ahead to 2017

There was no business like Tracy Chamber of Commerce business Saturday night.
“We’ve had a pretty amazing year,” Kim Roggatz, the Chamber’s executive director, told 130 people at the Chamber annual banquet.  “Thank you to everyone for their continued support.”
Mike Mumm, who has helped with Tracy Box Car Days for 30 years, received a special thank you from Roggatz.
“Mike has helped set up and take town the Box Car Days beer tent 60 times,” Roggatz said.
Dick Donaldson was honored as the Chamber’s “Outstanding Citizen” for 2017.  Ben Ludeman received the “Distinguished Farmer” recognition, while Stacy Barstad was named “Boss of the Year.”  Marianne Ankrum was cited as community volunteer of the year, while Khyle Radke was given kudos as Chamber member of the year. The Tracy Night Out committee was honored with the “Diamond Award.” (See related stories).
Out-going Chamber president Trent Fischer passed the president’s gavel on to Justin Steufen , and Lori Alf was elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Sanford Tracy employees were recognized for having the top entry in the 2016 Box Car Days parade.
Tracy Economic Development Director Tara Onken challenged community members to “move into action” for the coming year.
“We need all eyes, ears, and hands on deck to keep things moving.”
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The annual banquet was held at The Caboose of Tracy. And in a first for the Chamber gala, attendees got out their “smart phones” to compete in a trivia game show hosted by “Sassy Lassy” at the banquet’s conclusion.