Howard County Business & Tourism Hosts Annual Banquet, TPD presents awards

CRESCO - McAllister's was alive with energy and pride on the evening of April 22 as it hosted the Howard County Business and Tourism Banquet. The atmosphere was vibrant as guests mingled, exchanging stories and laughter during the social hour that kicked off the night. The joyous sounds of conversation filled the room, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the evening's festivities.

As the excitement continued to build, Jason Passmore announced a three-minute warning for dinner. Guests then sat down to enjoy a delectable meal, which featured tender roast beef, succulent shrimp, creamy mashed potatoes, and  salads. For dessert, attendees were treated to a delightful raspberry cake that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate.

Following the dining experience, Dan Evans, owner and publisher of The Cresco Times Plain Dealer, took the stage to present the prestigious TPD Hall of Fame awards. The first recipient honored that night was the esteemed Lime Springs Betterment Foundation, recognized for its significant contributions to the community. They host several events throughout the year including bingo, car shows, and help with Sweet Corn Days just to name a few.

Next on the list was Mrs. Sheila Slifka, a beloved second-grade teacher at Notre Dame Catholic School, who was named Educator of the Year. She began her heartfelt acceptance speech with a touch of humor, instructing the guests to "sit up straight, put your hands in your lap, and listen." Her playful command elicited laughter from the crowd, who promptly complied, demonstrating the respect they held for her as an educator. Sheila expressed deep humility and pride in receiving the award, and a touching moment unfolded when her best friend from Ohio joined to celebrate this momentous occasion. After concluding her speech, Sheila was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, a true testament to the impact she has made in her profession.

  The final award of the evening was presented to Dr. Paul Jensen, a respected figure in the community. Remarkably, he approached the podium without a prepared speech. Instead, he chose to speak candidly, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his wife for her unwavering support throughout the years. With a warm smile, he shared his reflections on retirement, stating, "Now it's her turn. We will be enjoying our time together." 

Dr. Jensen also lightened the mood by adding a humorous note about his career: "The moms delivered the babies; I was just there to catch them," he quipped, which sent the audience into fits of laughter. Despite not having a written speech, Dr. Jensen captivated the audience, keeping them engaged and entertained with his heartfelt anecdotes and infectious charm. The evening was a celebration of community spirit, honoring the exceptional individuals who have made their mark in Howard County.

The banquet continued with an inspiring address from RHSHC CEO Robin Schulter, introduced by Kris Riley of Featherlite, INC. Robin captivated the audience with her heartfelt message about the ongoing partnership between the hospital and the community, demonstrating their collective commitment to ensuring that every individual receives the care they need. Her passion for the community's well-being was evident, resonating with everyone in attendance.

Following Robin's empowering speech, Jason took the stage to introduce the next esteemed speaker, Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer. With a background steeped in technology and artificial intelligence, she has been at the forefront of technology policy and consumer data protection since assuming office. Chris shared her vision for improving Iowa, infusing her talk with personal anecdotes about her life as a wrestling mom. The light-hearted moment she shared about gaining "Street Cred" after visiting the Wrestling Hall of Fame brought laughter to the crowd, showcasing her relatable and down-to-earth personality. Grateful for the invitation, she expressed her delight in meeting the guests and engaging with the community.