Ambassador of the Year
Sean Ridgeway, co-chair of the Chamber Ambassadors, was selected as the 2019 Chamber Ambassador of the Year for his outstanding service throughout the year.
Community Compassion Award
The Community Compassion Award was presented to the Panhandle Blocks Quilts of Valor Group, which presents Quilts of Valor to veterans throughout the Panhandle. The volunteers who accepted the award at the Chamber Banquet were given a standing ovation for their work to honor more than 180 veterans in Alliance, Hemingford, Gordon, Chadron, Crawford, Hay Springs, Lewellen, Scottsbluff, Sidney and Ogallala.
Community Investment Award
The WNCC Powerline Construction and Maintenance Program was recognized with the Community Investment Award. The group of students has taken an active role in making Alliance a great place to live. Some of the activities they were recognized for include volunteering for crossing guard duty at the Alliance Middle School, coaching youth flag football and supporting local fundraisers.
Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award
The Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award was presented to Albert Benzel and Sons. It was accepted by Steve, Trent and Carl Benzel. The Benzel family moved to the United States in the early 1900s. They settled in the Scottsbluff/Gering valley. In 1945, the family moved to Box Butte County, just north of the Alliance Golf Course. In 1998, Albert passed away, leaving the operation to his sons. Benzel and Sons farms more than 2,000 acres of corn, sugar beets, beets, wheat, peas and dry edible beans. They are involved with various community and agricultural organizations including the Nebraska Sugar Beet Growers, city council, the Snow Redfern Foundation and roles at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Large Business of the Year
Parker-Hannifin was honored with the Large Business of the Year Award. Though Parker-Hannifin is a multi-billion dollar company with 60,000 worldwide, the company remains dedicated to Alliance by supporting local projects like Bands on the Bricks, exhibits at the Carnegie Arts Center and fundraisers that impact the lives of Alliance’s citizens.
Lifetime Investment
Leah King has led a lifetime of service to her community, logging more than 2,300 volunteer hours with RSVP throughout the past two decades. She is dedicated to the projects and organizations that help make Alliance the best hometown.
Small Business
H & H Sanitation, a family-owned business that has served the community for nearly 50 years, was the recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award. They have provided Alliance with uninterrupted collection and hauling services, and have added many more services to their repertoire.