Chamber installs new officers

Rev. Gary Kimm, of the United Congregational Church, conducts a swearing-in ceremony during Sunday’s Hartington Chamber of Commerce annual banquet at the Hartington Golf Club. New directors and officers include Kristen Dendinger, Karma Schulte, Karen Flamig, Tom Becker, Kristi Bruning, Jason Dendinger and past president, Carrie Ponce. Not pictured are Dr. Roger Filips, Gary Howey, Karen Bonneau and Julie DeBlauw.

HARTINGTON — Chamber of Commerce members were asked at the annual Chamber banquet Sunday to step up to the plate and help promote Hartington.
Retiring 2011 President Carey Ponce challenged members and guests at the event to get involved and make a commitment to their community.
“Just give one hour each month to help with the little things that need to get done,” Ponce said. “There is a lot of work that is done behind the scenes.”

Ponce thanked those who had served as Directors and officers and all of those who had donated time to get things done for the Chamber in the past year.
“I didn’t know the ton of little jobs that need to be done for the Candlelight Christmas until Cindy (Howey) stepped down,” Ponce said.
Ponce also noted she appreciated the efforts of Cindy Howey and her husband, Gary. At least one of them attended every one of the Chamber meetings during the last year.
“I love the Chamber – I enjoyed this last year. I am so proud of Hartington,” Ponce said. “Hartington even made a national magazine this year.”
The web page for the Hartington Chamber of Commerce is currently being updated, according to Ponce. Ponce encouraged members to email the necessary information as soon as possible.
Last year’s figures showed the Chamber membership included 110 businesses.
Before the meeting adjourned, Dan Kathol thanked Ponce for a job well-done.
“Being president is a difficult job,” Kathol said. “You moved into Hartington just two or three years ago and you stepped up to take the position.”
According to Kathol, the community needs to have a Chamber of Commerce that is thriving in order to have a healthy economic development climate.
Kathol had recently heard a man who is from out-of-town use the word “crisp” to describe Hartington.
“That means his first impression of Hartington was good. He thought the town was fresh and clean,” Kathol said. “Hartington sparkles. We have a lot to be proud of. We have a good community but it can be even better.”
Karma Schulte will move up from vice-president to take the reins as the 2012 Hartington Chamber of Commerce President.
Tom Becker was elected as vice-president and Kristi Bruning takes on the responsibilities of secretary.
After a little pleading and prodding Karen Flamig agreed to serve as treasurer, while Julie DeBlauw, Kristen Dendinger, Dr. Roger Filips, Karen Bonneau, Jason Dendinger and Gary Howey became Directors for 2012.
As Pastor Gary Kimm swore in the newly elected officers and Board of Directors for 2012 he told them the future of Hartington would be permanently affected by the responsibilities they are agreeing to step in and take.
Kimm then asked them to promise to faithfully serve and promote the prosperity of Hartington, the state and the nation.