Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND — The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will have its annual meeting on March 13 at Riverside Golf Clug, with the social hour starting at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner and program beginning at 6:15 p.m.
The Chamber will announce its 2024 Annual Meeting award recipients for Business of the Year and Richard Good Distinguished Service.
The Grand Island community is invited to attend to show support and congratulate the award winners on their progress, success and dedication to Grand Island and the surrounding area. More information regarding the event can be found online at www.gichamber.com/annual-meeting.
Jordan Larson is the featured speaker. She has an outstanding career as a volleyball player. Some of her accomplishments include leading the Nebraska Cornhusker volleyball team to a national championship in 2006, appearing in three straight Olympic Games, and serving as an assistant coach to the Nebraska Cornhusker volleyball team.
The award honorees are as follows:
Business of the Year – Eakes Office Solutions
Eakes Office Solutions, founded in 1945, has become one of the largest independent office products dealers in the United States. Its primary service area covers Nebraska and parts of Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, and South Dakota. Eakes continues the tradition of hard work, great customer care, and extraordinary employees just as Howard Eakes did 80 years ago when he started the company. Eakes is employee-owned, and it has made employee ownership a critical component of its management and financial succession planning. Eakes’ greatest appeal is its people who deliver an unparalleled customer experience. Recently, Eakes was awarded the Nebraska Governor’s Wellness Award, which is an important recognition for their commitment to creating the best employee experience possible. Support for the community is also of the utmost importance to Eakes and is carried out through their involvement in the Heartland United Way Pace Setter Campaign for over 20 years. Each branch is also actively involved in their local United Way.
Distinguished Service – DJ Eihusen
DJ Eihusen is the Chief Executive Officer of Chief Industries, Inc. Eihusen became a member of Chief’s Board of Directors in 1998 and began his current position as Chairman of the Board/President/Chief Executive Officer in 2010. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Omaha branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Eihusen’s innovative ideas and efforts towards developing Grand Island are visible through his vision and successful development of Prairie Commons. His commitment and support for the Grand Island community are evident through his involvement in numerous organizations and projects. Eihusen has served on the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors. He served on the board of the Heartland United Way and was the Campaign Chair along with his wife. Eihusen has also worked towards expanding Chief Industries throughout the state of Nebraska.
“This year we are recognizing outstanding business leaders and companies,” Grand Island Chamber President Cindy K. Johnson said. “Grand Island is fortunate to have respected, engaged companies whose leadership focuses on people, growth, and development.”
The Chamber works in partnership with more than 700 members. For more information, call 308-382-9210 go to gichamber.com.
