Chamber honors Berg with Athena Award

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--The Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Athena award, and its new chairman outlined the organization's priorities for 2002-2003 at its annual meeting Thursday night.

Kathleen Berg, New Ulm Area Foundation president, became the 12th woman to receive the Athena Award which recognizes women who excel in their chosen fields and strive toward the "highest levels of accomplishment."

The award was presented by last year's recipient, Sr. Sharon Waldoch, who said Berg's service to the community was like a "kaleidoscope of overlapping activities. You really do improve the quality of life in New Ulm."

Also testifying to Berg's leadership qualities were Councilor Ruth Ann Webster, Pastor Ellen Olson, her friend Pat Dittrich, her husband Tom Berg and her daughter Colleen Skillings.

"Her greatest strength is her ability to nurture and encourage other people, and I'm really fortunate to be a recipient of that," Tom Berg said. "None of us succeed alone, we need the support of others, and she has always been supportive."

"I want to talk about the word encouragement," Berg said, in accepting the award. "Someone felt I had something to offer and encouraged me, and many like me are waiting to be asked. Some people are shy, and they need that encouragement."

The new leader of the chamber's board of directors, Greg Thomas, listed three priorities involving leadership, communication and membership education.

"The three key priorities are to play a leadership role in maintaining and developing New Ulm's economic base, increase communication and strengthen relationships between the chamber and local units of government, serving as an advocate for chamber members, and expand training programs, continue current programs and explore new program opportunities," Thomas said.

Vice chair is Tim Knaak, and co-treasurers are Corey Mensink and Chris Hopp. Past Chair Steve Lawrence also is on the executive committee. Directors are Carisa Buegler, Jerry Kieselhorst, Kathy Stueber, Shawn Jakes, Tim Sanken, Todd Shermann, John Johnson, Cindy Scheid, Susan Conner Enwright, Jeff Dittrich and Bob Skillings.

Becoming lifetime members were Leo Berg, Richard Paulson, Judge Terry Dempsey and Mayor Arnold Koelpin. Directors leaving the chamber board were Carolyn Rewitzer, Dave Anderson, Tina Gleisner and Steve Franta.

Also honored were outgoing committee chairs, including Bob Burgess, Convention Visitors Bureau; Lois Stadick, Tourism; John Johnson, Business Action Team; Business and Retail Association, Deb Zahn, and Colleen Skillings, Willkommen.

Last year's chair, Steve Lawrence, in his parting remarks spoke of the success of the Hermann Bobblehead Doll.

"Isn't it funny that an idea like that would over-shadow all the meetings, sessions and programs we had at the chamber?" he asked.

During a live auction at the end of the program, an original version doll went for $110. An "Evening of Elegance" -- dinner for eight at the Lind House with a lot of added perks -- went for $600.

A silent auction also was conducted.