Volunteering unites award winners

This year’s citizen, volunteer and youth of the year awards were presented to honorees Tuesday during the 86th annual meeting of the Creston Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber also introduced six new chamber members this year. Esthetics by Willow Lee, Farmhouse Flavor, Kinetic, Liberty Hall, American Home Design Center and Wrenlee Rhae’s Boutique all joined the chamber in 2025.

The banquet is notable as the first annual meeting with Olivia Cheers as executive director. Taking over the role from Ellen Gerharz, who retired in October, Cheers thanked local sponsors and other volunteers, while also popping some jokes to introduce herself.

“My predecessor was a Hawkeye fan, and now I’m turning the chamber into Cyclone Nation,” Cheers said.

The largest honor of the evening went to Jamie Travis winning Citizen of the Year. Through serving in Kiwanis, including heading the Keep a Kid Warm coat drive, or helping organize the Union County Fair, Travis has become a leading member of Creston.

Travis said he was “blown away,” when told he would be awarded Citizen of the Year. Before mentioning anything about himself in his speech, he gave recognition to his fellow award winners in Trevor Paulus and Dylan Dornack.

“I’m just grateful to be a part of a community that believes in helping one another,” Travis said.

Dedicating his award to the community, Travis said he was most proud of anyone who offers their time to others, knowing how often those who volunteer would rather be quiet about what they’ve accomplished.

“I want to thank the people in the community that organize, volunteer and everyone else who works every day, often quietly; nobody knows what they’re doing to make this community stronger,” Travis said.

Travis’ work has focused on assisting the next generation, building up Creston through supporting new businesses to assisting youth programs. With his time at the Union County Fair, fundraising efforts defined him as someone willing to keep finding new ways to grow his community.

Centering on those who arrived at the banquet to support him, Travis was proud to be surrounded by great company. Travis said he’s always been inspired by those around him, always looking for a way to help one another.

“I’ve been blessed to have some amazing people in my life, and many of whom are here tonight,” Travis said. “I call you close friends, family.”

Playing to the crowd in his speech, Trevor Paulus showed exactly what has made his name a local staple as he received the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award. Lighting up the room with laughter, Paulus poked fun at the Travis family’s pension for western attire.

“I probably should have worn a cowboy hat,” Paulus said. “That’s why I’m in second place.”

In his volunteer work, Paulus is notable for often refusing personal payment and formal recognition for the work he does helping those around him. The head of Paulus Concrete, he’s found a way to always be a helping hand for community projects, local businesses or a neighbor.

“I’ve come to this community; I’ve got a ton of friends sitting around here. I see Mindy Stalker who constantly gives me projects I don’t want to do,” said Paulus, pausing for laughter. “I try to help everybody, and that’s not going to stop.”

His neighbors’ driveways are always clear after a snowstorm, with Paulus always refusing payment. Using his own equipment, Paulus will volunteer his time and excess materials to help a neighbor with their projects. If that means driving a skid loader through town, then that’s what Paulus will do.

Paulus received recognition as the 2024 Elk of the Year through his time assisting with the Creston Elks Lodge, which involved updating various facilities. To those around him, Paulus often donates what he calls “a few extra minutes” whenever he can. As part of his award, Paulus dedicated $200 from the Creston Chamber to Lexi’s Puppy Patch.

The 2025 Youth of the Year award was awarded to Dylan Dornack, a junior at Creston High School who credits his time as a Boy Scout for his later leadership and volunteer work. Dornack is the Future Business Leaders of America District 6 vice president and is actively working on his Eagle Scout project to receive the high honor.

Dornack in his volunteer work has been seen him help out at the local food pantry and make home improvements through the Appalachian Service Project. He serves his Boy Scout troop as Senior Patrol Leader and competes in sports and other extracurriculars.

During the meeting, Mayor Pro-tem Rich Madison delivered a written statement presented by Cheers and said 2025 offered a chance for restoring optimism.

“The community of people here make this a truly wonderful place to live and plant roots,” Madison said.

Madison recapped the year with several city accomplishments, such as the water main improvement project construction in Uptown, welcoming new Police Chief Cameron Hale, dredging in McKinley Lake, the Uptown revitalization project and wastewater treatment upgrades, among others.

With winter approaching, Madison warned about the delicate nature of budget-planning, mentioning “unknowns” which will need careful consideration.

In other chamber news...

Board members nominated for three-year terms are: Brian Davis, Josh Thompson, John Gravlin, Kyle Schaffer, Lesa Downing, Amy Perkins, Ashley Bird and Lindsay Street.

Retiring board members are: Sandy Harris, Drey Lybarger, Gabriella Tercero and Bruce Pearson.

Chamber officers for 2026 are: Danna Buls, president; Jessica Duncan, first vice president; Linda Landers, second vice president; Adam Snodgrass, tresurer; Chris Lane, past president.