Mahaska Chamber Recognizes 2024 Community Award Winners

On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Mahaska Chamber & Development Group hosted the Annual Community Awards Ceremony and Reception at Bridget's Public House. 21 individuals were recognized by the community for their accomplishments and service to Oskaloosa. 

The following board members were thanked for their service and contributions to the Chamber Board and our community:

Tammy Sauer (not pictured)

Ryan Van Dalen 

Susan Kollasch (not pictured)

Mike Fisher (not pictured)

 

Acorn Award: Rosso & Wine 

The Acorn Award, chosen by the Chamber Diplomats, is awarded annually to a young, Chamber member business, that has existed more than 1 but less than 20 years, and brings something unique to our community.

This business was established on December 6, 2022. The purpose was to bring new intriguing tastes and new healthy cooking habits based on the rich and celebrated Italian food industry to the Midwest – specifically, Oskaloosa, Iowa. With their weekly deliveries straight from Italy, the team is truly proud to be one of the most unique, exclusive and authentic Italian shops in Iowa! You will find hundreds of high-quality Italian products, wines from the best Italian wineries, pick up peak-season produce, fresh pasta, pizza dough, mozzarella and more. In addition to the products, they host a number of different events throughout the year for you to enjoy. Congratulations to this year's Acorn winner, Rosso & Wine.

 

Old Oak Award: The Mahaska County Outreach   

The Old Oak Award, also chosen by the Chamber Diplomats, is presented annually to a longstanding business. Like an oak tree, this business has deep roots in our community and branches beyond their day-in and day-out tasks to help our community in multiple ways.

This business was established as a non-profit assisting the less fortunate in 1983 after the Salvation Army closed in Oskaloosa. Today, this thrift store offers a variety of items at reasonable prices. They continue to give back to the community with their popular ‘sack sales’. Congratulations to this year's Old Oak Award winner, Mahaska County Outreach.

 

The Golden Dipper and Runner-Up Awards: 

Given each year to the Chamber Diplomats that have attended the most calls—ribbon cuttings, Mahaska Mixers, ground breaking, and such. This year, it’s a tie! These Chamber Diplomats live in Oskaloosa. Their devotion to the Diplomats is seen in the fact that they attended 45 of the 60 events. Congratulations Cassie Veldhuizen and Pat McCulley, Golden Dipper Runner-Ups.

 

The 2024 Golden Dipper: 

This individual currently serves as the office manager & customer relationship management administrator for TDT CPAs and Advisors.  Her involvement at the Chamber includes Friday After Five Committee, Scholarship Selection Committee, and Chamber’s executive committee and Mahaska Chamber Board of Directors. She is active at Central Church. Her commitment to the Diplomats and the Mahaska Community is very evident in that she attended 50 of the 60 events in 2024! This year’s recipient is Pam Newendorp. (not pictured)

 

Retail/Service Business of the Year: Butler’s Charcoal Ridge

This year’s retail/service business of the year if your one stop dog shop! With locations in Albia, Pella and Oskaloosa this business provided a much needed service to the Oskaloosa Area. From pet grooming to dog boarding and daycare, this business transformed what once was the “Old Bonanza” building into a pet's dream! Congratulations to this year's retail/service business, Butler’s Charcoal Ridge.

 

Service Business of the Year: Homestead of Oskaloosa

This year’s service business of the year celebrated their 20-year anniversary in 2024. Homestead of Oskaloosa is a senior living community offering area seniors quality assisted living in Oskaloosa, Iowa and compassionate memory care. Every decision made is guided by what is in the best interest of the residents. It doesn’t take long to see what Homestead offers to the community. From activities and events, to dress up days, the residents and staff alike get involved, making this place so special. Congratulations to this year's service business, Homestead of Oskaloosa.

 

Industry of the Year: NoCoast Beer Co

Ever since the fall of 2015, this industry has looked forward to sharing good beer with good people. After many months of preparation, they raised their glasses for the official launch of NoCoast Beer Co in August 2016.  NoCoast is a nation of individuals that respect hard work and good beer, PLAINS SIMPLE. The NoCoast facility houses brewing, cold brewed coffee, and mobile canning operations. With the sudden loss of team member and engaged Chamber member, Aaron Ostrem in 2024, the NoCoast team continues to be involved in many of the community events – something Aaron loved deeply! In September of 2024, the NoCoast Beer team helped our RVTV committee create a special beer label for their very own Plain Simple Beer to showcase the community pride during this festive Cy-Hawk event. We even have a few left to share with you today so please take your commemorative RVTV beer before you leave! Congratulations to this year's Industry of the year, NoCoast Beer Co.

 

Community Improvement Award: Mahaska County YMCA

In August 2023, the Mahaska County YMCA unveiled its new 80,000-square-foot Health and Wellness and Early Childcare Center in Oskaloosa, marking a significant milestone in community development.

This state-of-the-art center offers a wide range of amenities, including fitness areas, childcare services, and spaces for community programs, catering to the diverse needs of residents.

The opening of this facility with overwhelming support from the community underscores the YMCA's commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Mahaska County. By providing accessible health and wellness resources, as well as early childhood education opportunities, the YMCA has created a central hub for community engagement and personal development. This initiative not only addresses critical needs within the community but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among residents. Such impactful contributions make the Mahaska County YMCA a deserving recipient of a community improvement award. Congratulations to this year's Community Improvement Award, Mahaska County YMCA.

 

Business Person of the Year: Calvin Bandstra

This year's business person of the year has been with Bank Iowa since 2016 and has been working in the banking industry since 1985. Originally from New Sharon, his duties include management of a commercial and agricultural loan portfolio located primarily in Mahaska and Marion Counties. Outside of the bank, this individual enjoys spending time working with his family’s small farming operation. He has also been involved in governmental activities, serving as the City Clerk of the small community of Leighton for 19 years, serving as the Clerk for the Mahaska County Board of Review, and serving on the Board of the Mahaska County Supervisors’ Revolving Loan Fund. Other activities include being on the Board of the Mahaska Chamber, Chairing the Mahaska County Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, and being the lead researcher on the Oskaloosa Historical Building Marker Committee. Congratulations to this year's Business Person of the Year, Calvin Bandstra.

 

Student of the Year: Gracie De Ronde

This year’s Student of the Year will be a 2025 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. During her high school career, she has maintained a lofty GPA and is on track to acquire nearly 30 college credits prior to her high school graduation. In addition, Gracie has been involved in Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Golf, Student Council, and American Royal Horse Riding. She recently received the prestigious American Royal Scholarship. Congratulations to this year's Student of the Year, Gracie De Ronde.

 

Volunteer of the Year: Beth Brostrom

This year’s volunteer of the year is recognized for her tireless volunteer hours and leadership in our community. Over the years she has demonstrated her commitment to the community by serving as the Chair of the Economic Vitality Committee, helping with Main Street Oskaloosa events such as Art on the Square, the Holiday Luncheon, Elevate tours and many more. She has served on the Oskaloosa Main Street Board and Chamber Board now for several years, after ‘retiring’ from her own business in 2020. Her musical talents and volunteer efforts go above and beyond. Congratulations to this year's volunteer of the year, Beth Brostrom.

 

Up & Comer: Cassie Veldhuizen

This year’s Up and Comer is employed by Bank Iowa as the Regional Retail Banking Manager and faithfully shows up in Oskaloosa. She is a member of Central Church where she is involved in a variety of ministries and teaches Preschool Sunday School. She can be found in the spring and summer coaching her son with the Oskaloosa Little League and volunteering with the Oskaloosa Swim Team in the winter. Cassie is the President of United Way of Mahaska County, was on the Edmundson Playground committee, has been past chair of the Oskaloosa Christian School auction and is the past President of the Mahaska Chamber Diplomats. Congratulations to this year’s Up and Comer, Cassie Veldhuizen.

 

Chuck Russell Award: Edmundson Playground

The Chuck Russell Award is given to a person or project for their dedicated commitment in preserving the rich heritage and history of Oskaloosa and Mahaska County. Built by volunteers in 1994, the wooden playground was a popular spot for residents of Oskaloosa. Also, a part of Edmundson Park was the iconic "Rocket Slide". A tall metal slide shaped like a rocket is believed to have been installed in between the 1960s and 1970s. After nearly 30 years, the playground and rocket slide had begun to deteriorate, and safety issues began to arise. So, in 2021, the City of Oskaloosa along with many donations and support from the community began the Edmundson Playground Project, which would allow for the installation of a new playground that would allow for greater accessibility to younger and disabled children. The community also raised money to save the beloved rocket slide, which would later be repaired. In April of 2023, the rocket slide was temporarily removed for sandblasting and repainting. In October of 2023, the City of Oskaloosa opened the new Edmundson Playground to the public. The new playground features inclusive equipment, including handicap-accessible swings, a tilt table, and a merry-go-round. Other equipment includes educational and interactive equipment such as drums, a xylophone, bells, a climbing wall, and factual signs, as well as your typical slides and swings. Congratulations to this year's Chuck Russell Award, the Edmundson Playground Project.

 

Mahaska County Ag & Rural Development Award

This business was a part of the Eddyville Water Project that began in 2022. Through exploration of water options by the city of Eddyville, Mahaska Rural Water was granted a water franchise to take over the existing water infrastructure. On October 7, 2024, Mahaska Rural Water started serving the residents of Eddyville. Mahaska Rural Water now serves several communities including Eddyville, Beacon, Leighton, Rose Hill, University Park, Keomah Village, Fremont, and New Sharon in Mahaska County. They provide safe and high quality water to over 4,500 customers. In addition to their services, Mahaska Rural Water is an active community supporter sponsoring major events like Mahaska Health Foundation's Run in the Sun and the Governor's Charity Steer Show in 2024. Congratulations to this year's Mahaska County Ag and Rural Development Award winner, Mahaska Rural Water.  

 

Citizens of the Year: Deb & Byron Bruxvoort

For over three decades, this couple has embraced all things Main Street, Chamber, and tourism. Deb joined the Main Street program on April 1, 1993. Throughout her years, she wore countless hats – whether it was filling in when the director position was vacant to working extra days while staff members were on maternity leave, Deb had a steadfast commitment to the Mahaska Chamber organization. Deb’s extensive knowledge of our community is also one that will be hard to replace. Deb is a walking repository of Mahaska County’s history, serving as the go-to source for details about past projects, historic buildings and the stories that make our community unique. Her passion for preserving and celebrating local heritage not only enriched the visitor experience but also enhanced our community pride.

Not only did Deb give 32 years to the Chamber, but it also extended through her family. Their collective contributions to the Chamber’s mission have been invaluable. It wouldn’t be a surprise seeing Byron in our office, taking out the recycle, hanging Christmas lights, moving furniture or fixing what perhaps the office ladies couldn’t tackle. In addition, Byron has cooked thousands of ears of sweet corn and could be seen firing up the corn cooker nearly every year. And let us not forget to mention who collects the money from our wishing wells. Byron faithfully empties the monies from the wishing wells – what seems like a simple task – actually can turn into diving for loose coins, washing sticky coins or sorting out “other fun items” that sometimes sneak in. At Christmas time, Byron has helped get the sleigh in tip-top shape and has helped guide the entries at the start of the parade. From volunteering at events to preparing membership mailings, Deb, Bryon, and the family have supported the Chamber in so many ways.

When Deb retired, she and Byron both assured us that we would see them around as dedicated volunteers. This only reflects their love for our community. So we are honored to present this year's Citizens of the Year to Deb & Byron Bruxvoort.