GOTHENBURG — The Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce recognized Flatwater Bank as the recipient of its highest honor, the Guiding Light Award, during the organization's annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Members of the Flatwater Bank staff receive the Guiding Light Award from the Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday night.
People are also reading…
On the right, Nate Wyatt, president of the GIC, presented the organization's out-going board member award to Karl Randecker, president of Dayspring Bank. Under Randecker's leadership, Dayspring Bank and the Decker family have been actively engaged in supporting the community through philanthropy. Randecker has served on the GIC board for 18 years and has also been president of the Gothenburg Health Foundation and served on the foundation board for the American Lutheran Church and the Community Bankers Council for the American Bankers Association.
Vice President of the GIC Devin Brundage, left, presented the organization's out-going board member award to Rick Zarek. Additionally, Zarek served on the Nebraska State Board of Pharmacy for 10 years, the Nebraska State Pharmacy Association for 52 years, and the Nebraska State Pharmacy Corporation Board for 32 years. He also served as a director on the Two Rivers Health Board and most recently as a Dawson County Commissioner for the last three years.
The housing director for GIC Robyn Geiser, left, presented the organization's Economic Development Award to Scott Stevens. Geiser said Stevens continues to be the go-to person for all things housing in Gothenburg. "He doesn't just construct homes. He creates homes where families will grow, where neighbors will become friends, where communities will thrive," Geiser said.
GIC board member and representative from Dayspring Bank Helen Cool, left, presented a Economic Development Award to Colten Venteicher, president of the Impact Center. Venteicher and the Impact Center would also go on to win the Spotlight Award during the event, which honors innovative efforts to address the needs in the Gothenburg Community.
From left to right: Gothenburg Ace Hardware store co-owner Joe Franssen, GIC board member Amber Burge and store manager Jourdin Shepard with an Economic Development Award. The Gothenburg Ace Hardware location now employs around 10 people and has achieved Ace Hardware Pinnacle status in its first year of operations, a prestigious award recognizing exceptional commitment to growth, service, and community impact. "Their success is due to grit, sacrifice and relentless hard work," Burge said as she presented the 2025 GSE Economic Development Award. The organization would go on to also win the Rising Star Award during the award ceremony, which recognizes Gothenburg businesses operating for five years or less.
From left to right: Gothenburg Chamber member Logan Ricley, Building Blocks Childcare Center director and Pony Express Rider Award winner Donna Portiner and Gothenburg Chamber member Andrea Ostendorf. "Her service to the area, support of our business communities, working families, and her unparalleled contribution to the betterment of the families she served makes Donna an outstanding recipient of the honorary Pony Express Rider," Ricley said.
From left to right: Gothenburg Chamber member Tomye McKenna, Protostar Award winner Carson Reiman and Gothenburg Board member Rebecca Jacobsen. Reiman uses creative advertising to highlight his potato varieties and promote his sales, as well as give recognition to those who have helped him in his venture. "What started as a project has truly become a labor of love and a tremendous platform for his future," Jacobsen said. "We can't wait to see where Reiman Spuds show up next."
Gothenburg Chamber board member Andrew Knust, left, presented the Nova Award to Tabitha Venteicher. In addition to her community involvement, Venteicher helps with activities at the YMCA and loves to play pickleball, all while keeping her main focus on her family of four small children. "Thank you, Tabitha, for all your hours working to make this community the best it can be," Knust said. "We look forward to your continued leadership."
