Chamber awards honor leaders, businesses

Each year the Hill City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors honors chamber member businesses and community members with awards. These awards were announced at the April 26 Chamber Annual Meeting, dubbed “Charting the Course.”

As people mingled below, a banner in honor of Rick Mills that read, “Community leader, train fanatic, you will be missed,” hung high.

Diamond Spur Event Center, the site of the chamber awards banquet, received the first award of the night—Business of the Year. Diamond Spur owner Alicia Edsen, who was not present, was praised for her continued support of the community, including a generous donation of space for community events like the Hill City High School prom. Edsen and her staff also provide deep discounts to nonprofit or community groups. Diamond Spur is also the venue site of the ever-popular fashion show for Hill City’s Girlfriends Weekend.

“Our town is truly grateful for the boost to business  for Hill City. Beyond that, the owners have been a pleasure to work with,” said Erin Loder, executive director of the Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce 

The chamber’s highest award, the Victor Jepsen Award, recognizes a person whose spirit and attitude exemplify the best in business, community and family in addition to demonstrating concern for and significantly contributing to the community and the Hill City chamber.

Lorena Freis of the Farmer’s Daughter was honored with a standing ovation from attendees as she accepted the prestigious award. The Farmer’s Daughter recently celebrated its 20th year anniversary. 

Loder called Freis an “incredible business woman.” 

Freis has served on numerous committees in town including the Hill City Girlfriends Weekend and  Quilters Guild as well as being very active in the town’s Main Street Merchant association. Freis has been instrumental in many initiatives that draw business to town.

“She has a very loyal following amongst her customers,” said Loder. 

Freis was described as a woman “with her priorities straight.” 

Employer of the year was given to JQ Clothing, one of the newest shops in town. It was described by Loder as “fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and heard.”

Patty Colvin won the Community Impact Award for “all that she does for Hill City.” 

Colvin has also donated space at her restaurant, the  Hill City Cafe, for many events including post prom, Rangers live streaming and for fundraising for various sports teams. The Hill City Cafe not only employs many locals but also remains open year-round. 

Past president of the chamber board Jason Peters was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an individual for his or her long-term commitment to Hill City, whose creative and innovative business ethics set a standard for the community.

Peters served on the chamber board for 11 years and has been a volunteer firefighter for the past 16 years. 

Loder said Peters has had an impact on Hill City in “virtually every single aspect of his life.”

Peters, in accepting his award, said, “I’m only 47, so I’m not a lifetime.”

The remainder of the evening was spent discussing chamber business including concerns over the Hwy. 385 construction and its impact to Hill City this summer. Loder said the chamber worked diligently on its marketing  plans, being strategic in more local marketing. The chamber is also working on a new website that Loder says will bring, “more value, streamline processes and bring more people to Hill City.”

To coincide with the new website, the chamber is changing its membership rates that will now range from $100-$975. 

“I think we’re a really unique town,” said Loder. “I feel strongly that we need to showcase what we have to offer as a whole.”