Chamber officers are re-elected at annual meeting members

HARTINGTON — Hartington Chamber of Commerce members returned their current leadership to office Sunday night and added a few new people to their ranks.

Chamber President Karma Schulte was re-elected to another term, while Vice President Karen Flamig was also returned to office. Current Treasurer Lee Carl and Secretary Justin Kerkman also earned another term in office.

Elections were also held for three open seats on the Board of Directors.

Curent Board member Dr. Matt Erlandson was re-elected to another two-year term on the board, while Katelyn Lammers and Kellyn Dump were also elected to two-year terms. Board members beginning their final year on the Board are: Linda Burns, Eric Hames, Blair Kalin, Fr. Owen Korte, and Jane Sayler.

Schulte conducted a short business meeting as part of Sunday’s annual banquet at the Hartington Country Club.

She noted three new businesses joined the Chamber in 2019 — EmmeLu B’s Boutique, Spier Physical Therapy Services and Busaround Trolley.

Schulte said the Chamber’s annual Candlelight Christmas celebration was once again a huge success. The event celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.

Two new Chamber features which began in 2019 seemed to go well, Schulte said. The new Chamber Cheers Open House format was well received. Having the Hartington Senior Center host Friday Chamber Coffee each week was also well received, she said.

Schulte also used the occasion to urge more Chamber members to get involved in community events and to attend the monthly Chamber meetings.

Chamber members were also told that new Hartington Economic Development Coordinator Miranda Becker was in the process of getting the Hartington community web page rebuilt and updated.

Schulte also took a moment to take note of the Chamber members that died in 2019. The Chamber lost Gerald Konken, Joan Burney and Heath Jueden last year.

The evening began with an inspirational story presented by Larry Silhacek of Pierce. Silhacek had met New York Fire Department Battalion Chief Richard “Pitch” Picciotto and heard him tell his story of heroism and faith. Picciotto then gave him permission to retell the story.

Picciotto attempted to save people during the collapse of the Twin Towers on 911, but ended up being trapped in the rubble of the towers along with the rest of his men. Training, faith and determination helped the men not only get out of the building themselves, but also help them to get many other people out of the towers.