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LAUREL — Over 350 people packed into the Laurel Community Center Friday night for the fourth annual Laurel Chamber Community Club’s Agriculture and Business Appreciation Banquet.
Former University of Nebraska Cornhusker volleyball coach John Cook was the night’s keynote speaker.
The event also featured the announcement of the Laurel Area Farm Family of the Year and The Laurel Area Business of the Year. There were also presentations from the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge FFA Chapter, and the FFA Alumni. The evening featured music by local performer Dale White and a meal catered by Laurel’s Hometown Market.
The event was much more than just a reason to get together and have a great meal and socialize, though, said Jeremy Christiansen, who served as emcee for the evening.
“This banquet is really about gratitude — recognizing the farm families, producers and businesses who are the backbone of our local economy and our community. It’s a chance for us to pause, say thank you, and celebrate together,” he said.
Chamber co-chair Craig Gutz said the event only happened because of all the people that were willing to step up and help.
“It really took our whole board coming together with ideas of how to make it a great event for our community and to thank our chamber members for their support throughout the year.
Christiansen said the event would not have happened without strong partnerships.
“The Laurel Chamber Community Club, LCC’s FFA chapter, our sponsors, and our volunteers all played a role in making it such a meaningful evening,” he said. “I’m especially proud of the involvement of our FFA students. They weren’t just helping serve meals — they were helping showcase leadership, professionalism and pride in our agricultural roots.”
It was great to see the room full of farmers, business owners, families and students, Christensen said.
“It’s a powerful reminder of why we do this each year,” he said. “The sense of pride and connection in that room is something special.”
Gutz said Coach Cook’s message really resonated, as well.
“We are so glad Coach Cook was able to join us and share his philosophies and reminding us to find our ‘why’ in everything we do, whether that be in our families, community, and everything else.”
Christiansen said the group is already looking forward to next year.
“This banquet continues to grow, and it’s exciting to see the support and enthusiasm from across the area,” he said.
