The Columbus Area Chamber is proud to announce this year’s Annual award-winners, to be honored next month at the Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame Banquet.
The 2018 Archway Award, given to the area’s outstanding businessman by Pinnacle Bank, will be awarded to Mike Fleming. Fleming has owned and operated Mike’s Auto Sales and Towing since 1974. He has grown the business through those 44 years through hard work and innovation, most recently through the implementation of aggressive use of online sales. The business brings buyers to Columbus from across the U.S., expanding Mike’s Auto Sales’ footprint and creating local revenue.
Fleming has served his community as a City Councilman, currently as a Board member of Loup Public Power District, and in various roles related to area youth.
The 2018 Ovation Award, given to the area’s outstanding businesswoman by Ernst Auto Center/Ernst Toyota, will be awarded to Sharee Jedlicka. Jedlicka has been a physical therapist since 1998. She founded Dynamic Life in 2010 as the only employee. She drove growth and diversification of the company, expanding to 10 employees in just five years of operation.
Jedlicka has offered support and advice to other entrepreneurs, and has partnered with other businesses on co-locations to help those start-ups. She has served the Columbus Area United Way, Columbus Area Chamber, St. Bon’s School and Church as a volunteer.
The 2018 Charles Farnham Volunteer of the Year will be given by First Nebraska Bank to Debbie Potter. Potter has volunteered throughout her life for various organizations in Columbus, but most identify her with the Platte Valley Humane Society where she has served for 26 years. She has volunteered at the Paws & Claws Shelter, been a Board member and President, and since 2007 she has been the volunteer Executive Director of the organization.
Additionally, Potter has served the Center for Survivors, Columbus Library, Columbus Days, Platte County Crime Stoppers, ARC of Platte County, and First United Methodist Church, among others.
The awards will be given on Nov. 20th at the Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame Banquet presented by BankFirst and Loup Power District.
The awards are given in conjunction with the induction of the 13th class of Business Hall of Fame inductees.
Tickets for the event will be on sale at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce for $35. Reserved corporate tables of eight tickets will be available for $300. Contact the Chamber office (564-2769) for information.