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LAUREL – The Laurel community reviewed the past, looked toward the future and celebrated the importance of agribusiness in the local economy with the annual Chamber Community & Agribusiness Appreciation Banquet Friday night.
Nearly 300 people attended the annual event at the community center, complete with a social hour, special music, a keynote speaker, and prime rib dinner. The highlight came at the end of the evening with award recognition for a local family and a local business.
The Chamber presented the Scott and Diane Urwiler family with the 2024 Farm Family of the Year Award.
The Urwiler farm dates back almost a century with Scott taking the reins in 1989, growing row crops, alfalfa and raising cattle. Over the years the farm diversified to include sheep, hogs, goats and chickens.
The Urwilers were recognized for their work ethic, and community service including their involvement in the FFA.
“Through their selfless service, commitment to agriculture and dedication to their faith and family, Scott and Diane Urwiler exemplify what it means to be good stewards of the land and leaders in our community,” said Jeremy Christiansen as he presented them with the award.
Northside Grain was honored with the 2024 Agribusiness of the Year Award.
The business, owned by Tim Gubbels, started with three grain bins and has transformed into a modern facility with a capacity of one million bushels.
The business also recognized the evolving needs of farmers to include crop insurance, and seed and fertilizer sales. In 2021, Gubbels acquired Belden Grain & Feed.
The business has been a “steadfast supporter of farmers, both large and small,” Christiansen said while presenting the award.
Beyond business, Gubbels was recognized for his “unwavering dedication to agriculture in the community” and his past leadership on the Laurel Chamber Board, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board, church council, and his participation in the Nebraska LEAD program. He was also instrumental in establishing the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge FFA program.
Current FFA chapter members were an integral part of the evening with a special presentation of pictures from FFA events over the past year. Students also helped serve and buss tables.
Dr. Tom Field, director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was the keynote speaker. Dylan Bloom, a country music artist and songwriter, provided musical entertainment to close out the night.
Laurel’s Chamber teamed up with the FFA and FFA Alumni groups for the third year to host the appreciation banquet. The annual banquet was catered by Laurel’s Hometown Market and beverage service was provided by the VFW.
