Chamber members honored

It was a celebration of business during the third annual Business Award Luncheon Tuesday, with top honors going to Harman-Wright Mortuary, Curves and Shirleen Wolfe.

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce business members were recognized and celebrated during the event at the Holiday Inn Express.

“This is just one way to say thank you for going above and beyond your work,” Dave Eskra, Twin Rivers Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Chamber chair-elect, said during the luncheon.

Harman-Wright Mortuary was honored as the Chamber’s Business of the Year for its many years of service and commitment to its employees and community.

“We feel that the chamber has been an important part of our success,” Vaughn Wright said as he accepted his award.

The mortuary, owned by Vaughn and Tina Wright, first opened in 1886 and was formerly known as Scott Funeral Home. Wright purchased the business in 1990.

“It is a great service profession and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

Harman-Wright Mortuary strives for customer and community satisfaction as the funeral home has extended the amount of services available, such as online obituaries and guestbooks, video tributes and a Christmas tradition that celebrates the lives of those that have passed on, Wright said.

The New Business Spotlight award was given to Curves. This award is presented to businesses that have shown several different attributes, including business and community impact, diversity and commitment to employees and customers. The award was accepted by Curves owner Rosann Corey.

“I want to change women’s lives, just as much as it changed mine,” Corey said about taking ownership of the business.

She took ownership of the business that caters to women’s fitness in 2005, she said.

Curves strives to provide a quality place for women to exercise and reach their health goals, Corey said.

Curves has made many contributions to the community including an annual canned food drive and donation to the Relay for Life.

As the business continues to grow, Corey said she is excited to continue to bring more to the business. The business will soon have more advanced equipment that will provide clients with a customized experience.

Shirleen Wolfe was the Volunteer of the Year award recipient in recognition of her willingness to volunteer for many Chamber functions and events.

“To volunteer for projects, you gain so much,” she said. “It’s just so neat to give something back after they’ve given so much to me.”

Manalle Armstrong was the Ambassador of the Year. She made a strong commitment to the Chamber with her attendance at 13 meetings, 28 ribbon cuttings, 21 events. She also signed up five new members this year.