Monticello Chamber honors several local leaders, businesses

     The Monticello Area Chamber (MACC) of Commerce held its annual banquet and awards celebration on Jan. 24 at the Eagles Club.

     The event honors businesses and chamber members for the work they’ve done throughout the year, contributing to the vitality of Monticello. A couple of individuals were also recognized for their dedication to Monticello’s past, present and future.

     Former mayor Dena Himes was the recipient of the MACC Lifetime Membership Award.

     “This award is for distinction and public affairs,” said MACC board president, Monica Gray.

     Himes served on the Monticello City Council from 1995 through 2009. She was elected mayor from 2011 through 2017.

     “This recipient dedicated 20-plus years to public service in Monticello,” shared Gray.

     A speechless Himes thanked everyone for the honor saying, “It’s all about you.”

     The MACC Lifetime Achievement Award was given to an absent Tom Yeoman. (Gray announced that Yeoman was meeting with NFL football great Brett Favre in Las Vegas that night.)

     Yeoman was given the honor due to his community leadership and promotion of the city.

     “This recipient is dedicated to Monticello,” Gray said. “Leadership and dedication to service is reflected in his use of modern technology to take an active role even when traveling for business.”

     Many times Yeoman, who sits on the city council, will take part in the meetings even when traveling, via smartphone.

     Yeoman took over ownership of his family’s business, Yeoman & Co., here in Monticello in 1979. The business started in 1929. Yeoman & Co. started by making tools (with the Yo-Ho brand name) for the agriculture and manufacturing companies of the Midwest. Yo-Ho Tools were used to clear snow off the decks of naval aircraft carriers during WWII.

     “That innovation and dedication is present today,” Gray said.

     Yeoman & Co. now serves a global market, employing local citizens here in Monticello, and networking with local businesses.

     Due to Yeoman’s absence, his award will be presented to him during the Monday, Feb. 5 city council meeting.

     Four Community Pride awards were given out to chamber member businesses in the following categories: new construction, renovations, community services, and economic development.

     Bob Welter and Donna Sauser were present to accept the Community Pride Award for new construction for their father, Lloyd Welter. Welter was responsible for building a new 6,000 square-foot retail facility on S. Main Street, which currently houses Culligan Total Water.

     “The building provides economic and employment opportunities in Monticello,” said Gray.

     Amanda Hackney and Melissa Ehrisman, owners of Bipsy & Bopsy Boutique (and Almost Famous Dance) were the recipients of the Community Pride Award for renovations.

     “The owners were already running a successful business (Almost Famous) and felt the need to expand their expertise opening a clothing and accessory shop,” praised Gray.

     She said it’s hard to imagine what was once a car dealership and automotive parts store now houses a 2,000 square-foot boutique and dressing rooms.

     “They made a vision come to life,” Gray said.

     David Boehm with the Animal Welfare Friends (AWF) Shelter in Monticello accepted the Community Pride Award for community services. The non-profit takes in stray cats and dogs from the county and beyond to adopt them out into forever homes.

     “This is a group of volunteers who are driven to establish an organization that balances rescuing and caring for animals,” shared Gray, “with educating humans on who these animals rely on for a peaceful, safe and healthy life. Their work is essential.”

     Hillside Sports Bar & Grill, owners Ted and Sarah Kraus, took home the Community Pride Award for economic development. After closing The Heights Supper Club, the Krauses reopened another eating establishment, Hillside, in the same location.

     “When one business closed, another opened,” Gray said of keeping people employed in Monticello, and attracting people to the town. “Sarah and Ted’s perseverance in the food industry has retained and increased business, contributing to the economic development of Monticello.”