The Audubon Chamber of Commerce and Audubon County Economic Development (ACED) groups held their joint banquet and recognition program, Saturday evening, in Audubon. During the event, which was held at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center, the gavel was passed from Chamber President Carrie Hansen to the former Vice-President, and current President Elect, Trish Nielsen, and, new directors were named for 2013. They include Dr. Tom Hansen, Tracey Armentrout, Shelby Jensen, and Val Chambers.

During the awards and recognition portion of the evening, the Citizen of the Year award went to Patricia “Pat” Curtis, who returned to Audubon after a long career of teaching, and has been a business owner in Audubon, since 1991. Curtis was lauded for her efforts at writing and co-writing lucrative grants for the City Park Stage, Albert the Bull, Trees Forever and many more projects. She’s been described by many, as the “Ambassador of Audubon.”

Audubon’s Junior Citizen of the Year award was presented to Andrew Hoffman, a Senior at the Audubon High School. Andrew was said to be an outstanding student and student leader, very active in his community, sports, and academic activities. In addition, the Audubon Community School District received the 2012 Community Appreciation Award, for being recognized as One of the Top Small Employers in Iowa, by the Des Moines Register.

The award recognition came after Workplace Dynamics conducted a survey of employees at various places of work in Iowa, where there were 35 employees or more. The results were published in the Sept. 23^rd, 2012 edition of the Register, with the Audubon Community Schools ranked 24^th in the small employers division (35-to 149 employees). The district was founded in 1900 and has 70 employees, with two new staffers hired last year.

The ACED also recognized numerous businesses in the County during the Saturday evening event.