March 28, 2024

117th Annual Chamber Dinner planned for Thursday

The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its 117th Annual DinnerThursday. The meeting will take place at the DMACC Newton Campus with a social hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase through the Newton Chamber office for $40.

“To think about this is our 117th annual dinner, that is just amazing,” said Craig Light, chamber director. “It is so cool that there is such a long history.”

After dinner, which includes a salad, specialty beef and chicken duet served with roasted vegetable medley, garlic mashed potatoes and a dessert of chocolate layered cake, things will get underway with the annual business meeting program.

A community organization recap will take place with updates coming from Mayor Mike Hansen, a letter from Congressman Dave Loebsack, the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau, Newton Housing and Development, Newton Development Corporation and Main Street.

The awards portion of the evening will begin with the Excellence in Education Awards. An award will be given to a teacher from each school in the district from the Newton Community Education Foundation.

The Community Service Award is given for an individual’s long term involvement in community betterment project through activities such as church, civic, community service or political organizations and his or her given profession. Past winners include Frank Leibl in 2014 and also Linda Klepinger, Dr. Frank Forsythe and Ann Krumb in recent years. Longtime resident John McNeer won in 1978 and Fred Maytag II won in 1958.

The Key Award will be presented to an individual who has done exceptional work on a specific community project within the last year. Doug Bishop was awarded last year for his work with the Jasper County Freedom Flight. Former Mayor Chaz Allen received the award for work on the City of Newton's Sesquicentennial Celebration. Other projects that were recognized in the past include courthouse lighting, Park Centre, the Fourth of July committee, Hospice of Jasper County, the Iowa Speedway and Red Pride Community Service Day.

To conclude the evening, a chamber recap will be given and new chamber board members will be sworn in along with the changing of the chair of the board.

To purchase tickets contact the Newton Chamber off at 641-792-5545 or email info@experiencenewton.com.