The third annual Harvest Gala was held Thursday night at the Tobacco Barn Farm to honor the outstanding achievements of local businesses and community leaders.

It has been another challenging year for our business community with economy uncertainty, inflation, worker shortages, high consumer expectations, geopolitical tensions, fluctuating currencies, and supply chain disruptions. But the Kearney community is strong and resilient, not only surviving but thriving and last night community members celebrated with laughter, joy, and a true sense of togetherness.

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards reveal the best of the best in Kearney Chamber businesses. These awards recognize outstanding business excellence demonstrated through a process of peer nomination, evaluation by committee, and ultimately being judged as a winner.

Here is a breakdown of the categories and winners:

Rising Star Nominees - A new business, or a business that reignited, rebranded or reinvented.

· Farm Fresh Meats

· Bea's Flowers and Gifts

· Bridal by SHL

· Gino's Italiano

· Harmony Hill Animal Hospital

· J.Shaw Heating and Cooling

· Jostmeyer Land Solutions

· Kearney Business Group

· Northland Therapeutic Riding Center

· Porters Ace Hardware Building Centers

· Roncali's Power Washing

· Lockbaud - Sam Sapp

· Sknwrx Beauty Studio

· The Regular Joe

· True Health and Performance

· Urban Edge

· Verimore Bank

Winner - Farm Fresh Meats

Chamber Dedication Award Nominees - A person, business, or organization who has exhibited dedication to the Chamber via service, support, and/or tenure of membership.

A chamber member who has consistently exhibited enthusiasm, participation, and promotion of chamber activities to others throughout the year.

· Tina Rankin, Hidden Valley Funeral Home

· Stacy Linder, Three Birdies Boutique

· Jewelee Cox, Tobacco Barn Farm

· Mary Moeller - Campground Commander & KBG President

· Shawn Barber, Conrad's Kitchen and Patio

· Kearney Trust

· Kurt Hamilton, Kearney Enrichment Council

· Kristen Atwell, Summit Media Solutions

· Pizza Shoppe

· Desi Jostmeyer

· Turn Key Realty

· Debbie Holt, RE/MAX Advantage

· Brian Watts, KPGZ 102.7FM

Winner - Tina Rankin, Hidden Valley Funeral Home

Biggest Community Impact - A person, business or organization that has had the biggest impact on our community in the last year.

· Fulfillment House

· Farm Fresh Meats

· Tracy Tucker - State Farm

· Brian Watts - KPGZ 102.7 FM

· Kurt Hamilton, Kearney Enrichment Council

· Randy Pogue

· Kearney Parks and Recreation

· Northland Therapeutic Riding Center

· Paisley Candle and Home/Paisley Perk

Winner - Fulfillment House

Business of the Year Nominees - Business of the Month is a designation bestowed by the Kearney Chamber Ambassadors. Business of the Year is selected from the last twelve Businesses of the Month recipients. The Business of the Month honor is designed to recognize businesses who display or provide one or more of these distinguishing characteristics: Positive Culture, Community Involvement, Astonishing Moments, Innovation, Chamber Involvement, and Best of the Northland.

· Kearney Enrichment Council

· Nelson Home Group-Kearney Strong

· Hoffman's D'Creamery

· Kearney Historic Museum

· Northland Therapeutic Riding Center

· Clay County Savings Bank

· Betty's Place

· Paisley Perk

· Roncali's Power Washing

· Lockbaud LLC

· Summit Media Solutions

· Urban Edge

Winner - Kearney Enrichment Council

Citizen of the Year/Bob Tate Memorial Award - The Citizen of the Year Bob Tate Memorial Award is given to recognize an outstanding member of the chamber community who, through their personal involvement, leadership abilities, and selfless giving of their time and talent, has positively affected Kearney and the lives of its citizens. The Citizen of the Year Award honors those who’s contributions to Kearney have been both a recent effort resulting in a substantial benefit to the community, and a steady, reliable long-term history of service to Kearney.

· Brian Watts

· Connie Stoffel

· Gerri Spencer

· Jennifer Grossl

· Jim Eldridge

· Kurt Hamilton

· Lyle Updike

· Mack Porter

· Stacie Bratcher

· Tammy Ball

Winner - Brian Watts

KPGZ News - Stacie Bratcher of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce contributed to this story