Annual Awards

Every year during our annual meeting & banquet. The Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce awards the following awards. Our members nominate & vote on the winners.

Awards & Descriptions

Business of the Year

The Business of the Year award recognizes a Gretna business that has significantly contributed to Gretna’s economy and business environment. The winner in this category should be considered a leader in the community for reasons such as customer and employee commitment or how they make a difference within their own industry.

New Business of the Year

This award recognizes a new business that has been in business for less than three years. The winner in this category should be considered a successful start-up that has laid the foundation for future growth and achievement by developing sound business strategies and practices.

Golden Gretna Award

These nominees must have been established in the Gretna area for more than 10 years. The winner should practice customer-oriented services, always striving for quality.

Community Loyalty Award

These nominees must be INDIVIDUALS who show dedication in supporting the local community, schools, and nonprofit organizations through financial aid, products, services, and volunteer support. The winner should be someone who is a constant presence in our community, maybe in the spotlight but often working quietly in the background. Someone with their hand in much, who this community would greatly miss if we had to replace them. This person should be involved in both the business community and the Chamber as a whole (in other words, it would be logical that this category might be individuals who help represent multiple members - businesses and/or nonprofits in our community).

Non Profit Service Award

This nominee must be a Non-Profit member of the Gretna Chamber of Commerce in good standing. The winner should be a non-profit organization deserving of recognition for the programs or services that have made a difference in the lives of the Gretna area residents they serve.

2023 Winners & Nominees

Business of the Year

Our Business of the Year has been making an impact in Gretna before they even broke ground. This business strives to be a community partner by giving back in so many ways. This business has had such an impact on our community through their products and services as well as bringing 100’s of jobs to Gretna. It’s great that Hy-Vee chose Gretna to be the home of their largest store in the nation! Brandon and his team love the Gretna community and it shows in so many ways. Please help me congratulate Hy-Vee – our 2023 Business of the Year!

2023 Nominees:

Aislinn Medical Spa
B Douglas Construction
Fareway - Gretna
Godfathers Pizza
Gretna Vision Source
Hy-Vee Gretna
Meylor Chiropractic
Midwest Pub Trivia
Nash Automotive

New Business of the Year

Our winner loves to support small and local, constantly looking for ways to build
partnerships. They bring new and different experiences to our community – they
are master collaborators! Their story of taking an idea and turning it into a place
for Gretna to come relax and have fun while enjoying some great locally brewed
beer while also noshing on fabulous food is a true example of what we love about
new business success! Please celebrate our New Business of the Year – Heavy Brewing!

2023 Nominees:

Cruizin Cones
Dragon Wok
Gretna Crossing YMCA
Heavy Brewing
Inflate Balloons
Mosquito Authority
Nash Automotive
Stories Coffee

Golden Gretna Award

This business has been servicing the Gretna area since 2005. This family-owned and operated business has a very important role in our community – taking care of our littles With A Big Heart! Love to Learn Childcare has been keeping our babies and kids safe, happy, and growing for years. Their dedication to a curriculum to guide growth and development is undoubtedly a major contribution to the growth of our community for years to come! Congratulations to Love to Learn Childcare – our 2023 Gold Gretna Business!

2023 Nominees:

Dove Auto
Fredrick Brothers Rental
Godfathers Pizza
Gretna Gas & Lube
Gretna Insurance Agency
Gretna Vision Source
Langdons Bar & Grill
Love to Learn Childcare
The Beanery

Community Loyalty Award

This recipient did so much and received so many nominations from the Gretna community! Just a few things they’ve had their hands in are the sold-out Cornhole tournament put on by the Optimist Club, work to get the city tennis courts repurposed into some amazing well-used pickleball courts (not to mention teaching pickleball), and her volunteer work with St. Pat’s Knights of Columbus and Least of My Brethren. And not only that, but she has been doing a wonderful job since she came on staff at the Chamber. Please join us in recognizing Carrie Reitmeier – our Community Loyalty Award recipient.

2023 Nominees:

Loren Foged
Mark Hauptman
Jack Koke
Carrie Reitmeier
Ron VanOeveren
Jim Warren

Non Profit Service Award

This winner received multiple nominations and they offer so much to our community through educational opportunities and activities – more than just books! The Chamber appreciates their partnership in promoting and maintaining the Community Calendar for all of Gretna to utilize! Let’s give a big round of applause for the Gretna Library!

2023 Nominees:

Gretna Baptist Church
Gretna Crossing YMCA
Gretna Public Library

Ambassador of the Year

Our winner is such a fun go-getter with a real ‘can do’ frame of mind. She is always open to the new and crazy ideas that Carrie comes up with. You can spot her on our social media channels regularly highlighting businesses as well as the Chamber. She’s so easy to work with and we appreciate her ‘Go Gretna Chamber’ attitude! Please join us in congratulating Emily Lynch – Chamber Ambassador of the Year!