The West Liberty Chamber of Commerce gathered many of the community’s businesses, organizations, and leaders on Jan. 14 to celebrate the Chamber’s accomplishments throughout 2024. During the event, the Chamber gave out several awards to its members.
This year’s New Kids on the Block awards were given to Three B’s Floral, Iowa Audiology, Arty’s Sunnyside Café, and Studio 909. Sakir Alimoski, whose family founded Arty’s Sunnyside Café and Arty’s Ice Cream, also received this year’s Community Investment Award.
The Business Growth Award was given to West Liberty Locker & Processing, as accepted by Suzette and Gail Vance.
The Betterment Award, which goes to businesses that have invested time an energy into improving their appearance to the public or maintaining its history, was given to West Liberty Heritage Foundation, with members Debbie Wilson and Cliff McFerren accepting the award on behalf of the foundation.
For individual awards, Kelsi Lynch, who serves as an elementary art teacher at West Liberty’s elementary school and early learning center, received the Educator of the Year award.
Adam Loria, West Liberty School District’s Activity Director, received the Community Champion Award, while Virginia Miehe was given the Selfless Servant award, which honors those who have demonstrated selflessness in their service.
Alongside this year’s awards, the Chamber looked back at 2024 as its members prepare for another year’s worth of events, some of which may be returning for the first time since the 2020 pandemic, and community efforts.
“I believe in the Chamber,” Director Jacob Lane said. “For our current membership campaign, I have asked everyone to join a united front because, right now, we need each other more than ever as a community.”
Members of the 2025 Chamber Board were also announced, including President Heather Wisman (2023-2025), Vice-President Oscar Martinez (2024-2026), Secretary Brittany Woodson (City of West Liberty), Treasurer Mary Jo Lugo (2023-2025), Lisa Wertzbaugher (2025-2027), Maribel Montelongo (2025-2027), Karen Cabrera (2025-2027), Julissa Andrade (2025-2026), Father Guillermo Trevino Jr. (2025), Allie Paarsmith (2024-2026), Donna Alberti (Past President), Shawna Laughlin (West Liberty Foods), Shaun Kruger (WLCSD), Ken Brooks (WeLead).