(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Dinner on Friday, March 7th, 2025, at The Venue in Atlantic. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith says “The Annual Dinner is always a favorite for the Chamber. It’s a great opportunity for us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, look forward to what we will accomplish and most of all, highlight all of our members and volunteers that have invested their time and money back into our organization and our community.”

The Chamber will recognize businesses, organizations and individual leaders in the community. The 39th Annual Distinguished Service Award will also be given out at the dinner. 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.

Melissa Ihnen, 2022 Distinguished Service Award winner, presenting Dan Vargason with the 2023 Distinguished Service Award.

Last year, the Distinguished Service Award was given to Dan Vargason for his passion for youth development, going above and beyond his role as an educator and coach. Dan spends a considerable amount of time outside of school teaching youth the importance of volunteerism and what it means to love your community.

Smith encourages those who sent a nomination last year to do so again this year if their recipient didn’t win. Nominations for the Distinguished Service Award are due by February 21st, 2025.

You can nominate someone by submitting a nomination letter to the Chamber at 102 Chestnut Street, or email chamber@atlanticiowa.com. DSA Nomination Form

The Annual Dinner will begin at 6:00 PM with a social followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. You can register for the dinner at www.atlanticiowa.com.