What Katie Wergin thought was a routine Chamber meeting ended in a surprise announcement.
Wergin, Milford Chamber of Commerce secretary, was honored on April 26 as the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership's Volunteer of the Year award at its awards banquet.
Wergin, who joined the Milford Chamber board in 2015, said she found out about the honor at the Milford Chamber's regular monthly meeting on April 6.
SCCDP President and CEO Jonathan Jank arrived at the meeting to give a presentation. Wergin said she didn't think anything of it, as Jank will come from time to time to update the Milford Chamber on goings-on throughout the county.
“I just showed up like it was a regular meeting...I didn't think anything of it,” she said. “They had a video camera there because Jonathan needed to record something for a presentation later, which also wasn't uncommon. I was taking notes and he was going over upcoming events, talking about a virtual awards banquet.
“He went into Volunteer of the Year and when I looked up, my name was on the screen. Everyone in the room knew about it.”
While she's known about the honor for three weeks, Wergin was formally acknowledged Monday with a plaque and video.
Wergin said that the announcement took her by surprise.
“I was so surprised,” she said. “I think there are a lot of people that are very deserving, but it's nice to know the board members and my friends recognize me for that and appreciate what I do to help.”
Ron Petsch was one of the nominating parties for Wergin and said that her example is one that makes others around her motivated. Her leadership, he said, is a major benefit to the community.
“One of the strengths that I mentioned is she's highly motivated and I think through that motivation and enthusiasm she continues to motivate others,” he said. “They see the value she sees and they want to be part of that.”
Throughout the year, Wergin and the Chamber work to plan events such as Milford Fun Days, work with businesses and connect the community to its business district. She said the work done through the Chamber reflects a community that cares for one another and wants to grow.
“It means a lot to me for a community to come together, to work together, put on different events, stay connected and continue to grow our community,” she said. “Working together is the main thing, and I feel like we need to continue to do that and support each other.”
The awards and winners from the banquet are, as follows:
Volunteer of the Year: Katie Wergin
Allan Barghahn Customer Service Award: Chapters Books & Gifts
Affiliate Business of the Year: Randy’s Studio
Cultivate Seward County Award for Economic Impact - Business Expansion: Gabriel, Burger & Else, CPA
Cultivate Seward County Award for Economic Impact - New Project: Legacy Fund for Seward County COVID-19 Relief Fund
Community Service Award: Don Olson
Guiding Principles Award: Hughes Brothers
Seward County Hero Award: Memorial Health Care Systems
