OUR VIEW: Chamber banquet shows best of Mitchell

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For a close look at what’s happening in Mitchell, buy tickets for next year’s Chamber of Commerce/Development Corp. banquet. The 2013 edition of this event was Friday, and it once again showcased some great success stories about Mitchell residents.

The Fraser family, of JD Concrete, won Family Business of the Year. Two of JD Concrete’s founders, John and Kathy Fraser, stepped to the podium and told their version of the Great American Story. The family started the business from scratch and has watched it grow over the years.

Brian Klock, of Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, received the Tourism Excellence Award. For those not in the know, Klock Werks has become a nationally known business that caters to passionate motorcycle buffs. And since Klock Werks has become so prominent on the national scene, the company obviously is doing its part in spreading the word about Mitchell.

In a great touch of class, Klock even mentioned another local motorcycle shop, Sabers Specialties, during his brief speech.

Education leaders Greg Von Wald (Mitchell Technical Institute), Chris Paustian (formerly of MTI), Joe Graves (Mitchell School District) and Bob Duffett (Dakota Wesleyan University) shared the Harold Hagen Award for local development. Those men have been instrumental in recent expansion and renovation among the educational facilities in Mitchell.

When all of Mitchell’s recent school-related projects are presented together, it really puts into perspective the efforts that have been made locally for educational betterment.

Terry Sabers, of Muth Electric, was the recipient of the Community Service Award. Sabers has served with numerous local boards and service clubs.

And all of these awards were presented during an event that featured a great meal, great entertainment and, best of all, the annual humorous Mitchell-based video that’s filmed and directed by the chamber.

The chamber banquet is quite an event, and one that obviously takes much effort to plan and conduct. We’re glad the effort is made, and suggest that all chamber members attend.

It really is an in-depth look at what makes Mitchell great.

Tags: opinion, updates, editorials, business, local, mitchell