St. Francis Medical Center was recognized for being the first and only hospital to win the prized Edgerton Award for Excellence. It also has received honors for being a Psychologically Healthy Workplace and the Cleverly Award for Value.

Its new tower dedicated solely to patient care shows that the hospital is dedicated to the growth and development of Central Nebraska. With its 1,300 employees and services that attract a steady stream of patients from 24 counties, St. Francis cuts a wide swath in healthy community development

Mike Gloor, CEO, and Dee Price, board chairwoman, received the award on behalf of the hospital.

Aguilar was recognized as a Grand Island native whose family has made Grand Island its home for four generations.

The chamber cited Aguilar for being a leader in fighting methamphetamines and child abuse during his nine-year career in the Legislature. In 2007 and 2008, the chamber said Aguilar worked with Sen. Arnie Stuthman and Sen. Joel Johnson to gain passage of a statewide smoking ban.

The chamber noted that on a national level, Aguilar's focus is with the National Conference of State Legislature's Immigration Task Force and the National Hispanic Conference of State Legislators. Aguilar is also the vice president of the Committee on Health and Human Services for NCSL.

His wife, Susan, is the executive director of the Third City Clinic. Together, they have nine children, many grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Associated Services was founded in 1985 and purchased by Brian and Lori McMahon in 1995.

At that time, the name was changed to Associated Staffing. The company has grown and now includes locations in Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Columbus, and Omaha. Associated Staffing has also expanded its services through the years to include a Professional Division and a division called "Hospitality Solutions" in Omaha.

The chamber noted this past year included growth, with additional services being offered in the areas of Training, Wellness and HR Consulting. Associated Staffing is run on Christian principles and management believes strongly in giving back to the community, the chamber said.

The chamber also noted the company's staff enjoys giving their time to various projects and helping support many community organizations. Associated Staffing has received national recognition in the area of customer service and recently became the first recipient of the "Growers Award" given by Gov. Dave Heineman for accomplishments in the area of wellness.

2008 Board Chairman Don Dunn, Rembolt Ludtke; Chairwoman Elect Tonja Broadwell, KDSI/Kelly Supply; Vice Chairmen Will Armstrong, Edward Jones; Jack Henry, Global Industries; Joe Law, Farm Credit Services; and Past Chairman Mark Miller, Eakes Office Plus; were all recognized.

The remainder of the chamber board members were also recognized, including Kent Brown, Nebraska Truck Center; Lisa Crumrine, The Real Estate Group; Lee Elliott, St. Francis Medical Center; Seanne Emerton, Family Resources of Greater Nebraska; Brad Fegley, McDermott and Miller, PC; Steve Joel, Grand Island Public Schools; Randy Kissinger, Workforce Development; Steve Kunzman, Home Federal Bank; Terry Pfeifer, Equitable Investments; Don Smith, The Grand Island Independent; Cindy Thiemann, Wood Brothers Realty; and Steve Toner, Toner's Incorporated.