Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
New business owners/managers who received their first dollar of profit from the Chamber, from left to right: Justin Ystaas, Levi Duda, Sara Borchardt, Kim McDowell and Shantel Anderson
The New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a business recognition event every year, but this time it was a little different. Organizers decided to shed the tradition of a banquet and live auction for an informal reception at Buck-Its Bar.
The attendance was about the same as in past years, but the atmosphere was a stark contrast to that of the banquets. Attendees were free to mingle and nosh, and the place certainly was lively.
After all had enjoyed sliders, sausages, and other appetizers prepared by Buck-Its' proprietor Justin McDonald, President Amy Wobbema held a short program to recognize both new and seasoned businesses.
Seven new businesses earned their "First Dollar" plaques, representing their first dollar of profit as a new business: Divide Electrical & Automation, owned by Justin Ystaas; Shine Chiropractic, owned by Dr. Sara (Collier) Borchardt, Casey's General Store, represented by General Manager Kim McDowell and Kitchen Manager Shantel Anderson; and Duda Electric, owned by Levi Duda. Each had a few minutes to "pitch" their business to the crowd.
Other new businesses not in attendance who received their First Dollar plaques include Blue Bird Boutique, owned by Natalie Gedrose; James River Ag, owned by Taylor Koepplin; and Dollar General Corporation.
Nearly three dozen seasoned businesses were also noted, celebrating their continuous operation in the community for at least 25 years.
A total of 18 local businesses received Silver Longevity Awards, to represent at least 25 years of business. These businesses, with their year of establishment noted in parentheses, included 4th Corporation (1982), Cash and Carry Lumber (1992), Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts (1993), Farmers Union Insurance (1982), G & R Grain and Feed (1978), Hideaway Hair Salon (1986), Insure Forward (1977), James River Dentistry (1979), Log Cabin Liquors (1982), Meehan Machine (1988), Mick's 281 Service (1980), NAPA/Do it Best Hardware (1993), North American Bison LLC (1993), North Dakota Telephone Company (1983), Rockford Café (1991), Taverna Electric (1983) and Vorland Land Company (1977).
Fifteen businesses and organizations earned the Gold Longevity Award for at least 50 years of continuous operation in the community. These businesses are Wonder Lanes (1965), Eddy County Museum (1964), Eddy-New Rockford Library (1907), Farm Credit Services of North Dakota (1961), Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd (1959), New Rockford Golf Club (1920s), New Rockford Eagles Club (1949), Pfau Bros. Auto Body (1946), Rockford Theatre, Evans Funeral Home (1930s), Hanson's Bar (1935), Surety Title Company (1925), Community Credit Union (1942), Bank Forward (1927) and Transcript Publishing (1883). The New Rockford Transcript is the oldest continuously operating business in Eddy County and has published its weekly paper for 135 years without interruption.
The New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce plans to continue recognizing businesses with Longevity Awards annually. Business owners whose businesses were not recognized this year, and have continuously operated under one owners or several, even through name changes, are encouraged to contact a Chamber board member so they can be noted during next year's program. Each year the Chamber plans to recognize businesses who have reached the 25 or 50 year milestone.
