(Atlantic, Iowa) – Every year the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce honors a strong, passionate community leader, with the Annual Distinguished Service Award. This year was no exception.

Here’s Chamber Director Bailey Smith…

(This year marks the 36^th time the highest award for services and contributions to the community of Atlantic was presented.)

(From left to right) – Brenda Swope; Kelsey Beschorner; Bailey Smith; and the 2021 Distinguished Service Award winner: Greg Schuler.

Smith said recipient of the award for 2021, is Greg Schuler, of Atlantic, was nominated by Brenda Swope, with Atlantic Elks Lodge #445, and who is retired from Cass Health. Swope submitted a three page form explaining why she nominated Greg Schuler, a native of Atlantic. In the letter which was read by Bailey Smith, Swope said Greg “Is a quiet leader (for over 30-years, and) has made positive contributions to our quality of life in the Atlantic Area through his involvement in a ‘plethora’ or volunteer activities.

His accolades didn’t stop there…

Greg Schuler holds his award plaque presented to him Friday morning (1/28/22)

While the official announcement was made Saturday, during the Chamber’s Annual Dinner. Schuler was actually surprised with the award late Friday morning, at the Chamber Office in the Rock Island Depot. And as always, Greg was modest in his being honored.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual, business or organization who has made the community a better place to live. They have rendered special services for the benefit of the community and have demonstrated an active leadership role for the betterment of the community through their involvement in business, civic and social service organizations.

Last year, the Distinguished Service Award was given to Cass County Public Health for their unwavering leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.