Community’s accomplishments noted at banquet

LAUREL — The Laurel Chamber of Commerce recognized the past year’s accomplishments and looked to the future at its annual banquet Friday.

“Wow, we can be proud of Laurel right now. There’s a lot going on” said Martey Stewart, the banquet guest speaker and northeast regional board member of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

A total of 65 people attended the event that started with a social hour and networking followed by a dinner and program. It was a return to normalcy as last year’s banquet was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Mayor Keith Knudsen spoke about the building projects in town including the fire hall, community center, downtown revitalization and splash pad.

He said housing and child care are issues that are critical to continued economic development in the city and will be a priority focus of the city this year.

A photo slide show set to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What A Wonderful World” highlighted building projects and Chamber events from the last year including ribbon cuttings, business anniversary celebrations and community events like Ag Days and the Easter egg hunt.

Stewart recognized all of the young people in attendance from the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge National Honor Society students who served the meal to the outgoing and incoming student Chamber board members.

“Young people are vital to the future of this community and this country,” he said. “It’s so exciting for me to see classmates of my kids, kids that I coached in club volleyball, parents who sat a lot of games with me, just to see the array of the age variance you have out here.”

Agriculture makes up a big part of the economy in Cedar County with 784 farms, Stewart said, but each generation becomes more removed from life on the farm. He talked about the Farm Bureau’s programs to expose young students to agriculture, among other priorities. He urged those in attendance to share the story of Laurel to everyone they meet.

“When you’re on the airplane, when you’re in a line, if you’re sitting at a game, talking to people, share your stories because you know - you know your story,” Stewart said. “Share about the lifestyle. Everyone in this room, me included, loves rural Nebraska and small town and it shows. That’s why you’re here tonight because you care about this community.”