Community leaders and businesses awarded at Celebrate Elkader

By Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns | Times-Register

The annual Celebrate Elkader event was held Jan. 29 at the Elkader Golf and Country Club, bringing community members together to celebrate the town’s successes from 2025 and honor this year’s award recipients.

Elkader Mayor Pro Tem Bob Garms welcomed guests and recognized the organizations, people and businesses that contribute to the community.

“My wife and I came here in 1973 to teach. We thought we would be here for about five years,” Garms said with a smile. He expressed gratitude for the many individuals and groups that make Elkader special and explained those connections are why they never left.

Justin Augustyn, president of C.J. Moyna & Sons, shared his “Why Elkader?” story, reflecting on what brought him to town and what continues to make it a great place to live. He recalled living in an upper-story downtown apartment, calling it “a rite of passage” for young people in Elkader. He also highlighted the care of his neighbors and the many positives of small-town life.

Maggie Sommers, Main Street Elkader and economic development director, provided an update on the past year and highlighted several community successes. She also noted that 2025 marks 35 years of Elkader being an accredited Main Street Iowa community.

Through the Main Street Iowa program, two grants were awarded locally. Drone Xperts received the Open 4 Business Grant in the amount of $20,000 for new equipment to expand the business’s hybrid instruction capabilities, enhance practical training and provide greater access to drone education for rural residents and professionals. Frédérique Boudouani and Brian Bruening received the Challenge Grant, a $100,000 matching grant to rehabilitate the building next to Schera’s at 107 S. Main St., which will be remodeled to add new retail space.

Sommers said the investments in businesses, public spaces and events have made downtown “not just a place you pass through, but a place you want to be.”

She also reflected on stepping into her role this past summer. “I am part of a community now that is full of doers and people who have big goals and dreams. It has been a blast so far,” she said.

Outgoing Elkader Chamber President Amanda Schneider shared updates on the chamber’s progress over the past year, noting their focus on enhancing existing events while also attracting both visitors and local residents.

She highlighted the chamber’s holiday punch card program, which tracked approximately $400,000 spent at local businesses. “That’s huge, because obviously it doesn’t capture everything, and that’s just a small glimpse of what is being spent locally,” she said.

Following the organization updates, the award presentations began. For each award, organizers recognized the many nominees submitted by community members.

The first award of the evening was the Elkader Holiday People’s Choice Award, presented to Central Community School art students for their light show displays in the park over the past two years. Art teacher Carlyn Lechtenberg and students Declan Finley and Mikayla Evans accepted the award.

The Rehabilitation Award, which recognizes renovation and innovation through redefining space and transforming the community, was presented to Caleb and Danielle Shea for converting a former car wash into office space now housing Rise Counseling.

Danielle Shea said they first showed the space in March, when it was being used to store boats, and “used their imagination to see the potential.” The building was remodeled and ready for tenants by July 1.

The Life Can Be This Good Award, which recognizes an individual’s impact on making Elkader a great place to live, was presented to Bryton Rentschler, a familiar face at Elkader Pizzeria.

Exit Realty Driftless Group received the Marketer of the Year Award for inspiring growth and connection through their promotional efforts.

Cletus and Tanya Keppler were honored with the Community Spirit Award. Schneider described them as people who are always finding causes and opportunities to support in the community.

The Employer of the Year Award was presented to C.J. Moyna & Sons, recognizing a local business that prioritizes its people.

Schneider herself was then honored with the Leadership Award, which recognizes someone who embraces change and empowers others to work toward a better future.

Reflecting on her six years with the chamber, Schneider said she was deeply grateful for the experience. “I could not be more filled with gratitude for the opportunities it has provided, both professionally and personally for my family. I’d like to encourage anyone—if you’re thinking about getting involved, you never know how good it could be if you spend even a little bit of time,” she said.

Wilke’s Marketplace received the Customer Service Award, recognizing a business that builds trust and elevates the customer experience.

The final award of the night was the Good Neighbor Award, selected and presented by the Times-Register. This year’s recipient was Jenna Van Meeteren, who has made a lasting impact across Elkader, Clayton County and northeast Iowa as executive director of Clayton County Conservation.

Under her leadership, the conservation board completed several major capital projects, including the Motor Mill Trail, the Inn at Motor Mill, Osborne Campground and the soon-to-be-completed Pony Hollow Trail Expansion, all of which have supported tourism, recreation and quality of life in the region.

She has been a forward-thinking champion of the area and its natural resources, and has encouraged networking and support of young professionals who have chosen to make their homes here.

“This means a lot,” Van Meeteren said. “We all work in industries where it sometimes feels like you hear the complaints more than the good news. So this means so much—thank you. But this isn’t goodbye. I’m sticking around Elkader and hope to keep doing good work for our community.”