GENOA – More than 125 guests attended the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce’s 56th annual dinner meeting on Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Genoa Veterans Home to celebrate a year that included the launch of a new website and a shop-local arm of the chamber. Chamber membership in 2012 grew to 136 members.

The chamber presented 25 business anniversary awards to members. The Dave Tobinson Award was presented to Jim Wilson of James Mechanical. Named in honor of Dave Tobinson, a local business owner, community leader and active chamber member, it was presented by his daughter, Carolyn Tobinson of Tobinson’s Ace Hardware. Outstanding Chamber Ambassador was presented to Mark Reynolds of Embroidery Sew Into It. Ambassador awards also were presented to NB&T and Gordon Jones of Genoa Main Street. Excellence Awards were given to the Genoa Fitness Center, The Corner Cobbler, Prairie State Winery and the Genoa Main Street Incubator. Volunteer of the Year awards were presented to Barb Rada of Genoa Veterans Home, Ric Ullmark and Jamie Ullmark of American Family Insurance and Heather Criddle of Resource Bank.

The chamber debuted its 2013 area guide and honored Mayor Todd Walker, who is not seeking re-election, for 12 years of service to the community.