2025 Annual Awards Celebration
posted in Chamber of Commerce on April 2, 2025
WAVERLY, IA – The Waverly Chamber of Commerce & Main Street hosted its highly anticipated
Annual Awards Celebration last night at the Knights Ballroom on the campus of Wartburg
College. The event brought together over 150 business leaders and Chamber Main Street
supporters to celebrate the achievements of the past year and recognize outstanding
contributions to the community.
2024 Board Chair Bob Buckingham reflected on the organization's successes and challenges,
emphasizing the resilience and support that define Waverly. 2025 Board Chair Jodi Geerts, CEO
of Waverly Health Center, shared her vision for the year ahead, underscoring the importance of
collaboration. “Collaboration always wins,” she remarked, reinforcing the Chamber & Main
Street’s mission to advocate, collaborate, and create networking opportunities for the business
community.
Chelsea Petersen, Executive Director of Waverly Chamber & Main Street, expressed her
gratitude as she completed her first six months in the role. “Thank you for welcoming me into
this role, for your trust, and for the incredible work you do every day,” Petersen said. “I am
excited for what lies ahead, and I look forward to building an even brighter future for
Waverly—together.”
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the annual awards, recognizing individuals
and organizations that have made a significant impact in Waverly:
• The Wartburg College Community Service Award – Presented by Dean of Spiritual Life
and Chaplain Maggie Falenschek, this award was given to Darrin Siefken. Best known as
the former owner of Crawdaddy Outdoors, Siefken has been a long-time supporter of
Chamber Main Street and has championed conservation initiatives across Waverly and
Northeast Iowa.
• Signs & Designs Distinguished Small Business Award – Presented by owner Melissa
Barber, this award went to Tiedt Nursery. For 36 years, Tiedt Nursery has been deeply
rooted in Waverly, providing exceptional service to the community and the region.
• United Equipment Accessories Distinguished Large Business Award – Presented by
Thor Larson, this honor was awarded to Fidelity Bank & Trust, recognizing the
organization’s commitment to economic development and community investment.
• Waverly Health Center Distinguished Non-Profit Award – Presented by Lindy Ibeling,
this year’s recipient was All In Mentoring, an organization dedicated to fostering
meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that make a lasting impact in Waverly.
• First Bank Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented by First Bank President Steve
Willemssen, this prestigious honor was awarded to Charles Infelt, a Waverly native,
pastor, former mayor, and unwavering supporter of the community. Infelt’s lifelong
dedication to Waverly has left an indelible mark on the town he calls home.
The Waverly Chamber of Commerce & Main Street extends its sincere congratulations to all
award winners and thanks the entire community for their continued dedication to making
Waverly a vibrant place to live, work and play.
To view more pictures of the event, visit facebook.com/WaverlyChamberofCommerce/.