Waukee Chamber Honors Ambassadors of the Year, Member of the Year

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2013 annual dinner and silent auction Sunday at the West Des Moines Marriott.

Members celebrated the past year, highlighted the Chamber's accomplishments, and awarded Member of the Year and Ambassador of the Year honors, according to the group's website.

The Member of the Year award went to Dave Milburn of Triplett, Pieathlon and iapps24.

This year, the 2012 Ambassador of the Year came to a point total tie. Erna Morain and Terry Snyder were both awarded Ambassador of the Year for 2012 honors.

Also, a gavel plaque was given to past president Sara Larson and outgoing board members were recognized, including Steve Banks of Banks Law Firm, Rod West of Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, and Brian Thompson of Actis Wealth Management. In addition, Joe Brewer of Brewer Family Farms was recognized for his contributions to the annual Cow Patty Business Bingo event.

The 2013 Board of Directors were sworn in by Gene Meyers of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Vickie Dornfeld will serve as the 2013 Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce board president. Board members beginning three-year terms include Scott Politte of Stivers Ford Lincoln, Brandon Patterson of Re/Max Real Estate Concepts and Bryan Rowland of State Savings Bank. 

"The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce would like to say thank you to all members for your participation and to all sponsors and volunteers for helping to make this evening a success. Thank you also to the Waukee Chamber Board of Directors, Ambassadors, intern Sydni Rowen and Chamber Director Melinda Behn."

Behn said 183 guests enjoyed networking, presentations from Chamber leadership, award recognition and a fantastic presentation by Terry Rich, CEO of the Iowa Lottery.

Thank you to all members who donated items to the silent auction, which helped raise $4,915 for the Chamber, Behn said.