Smith Announces Winners of 2016 Third District Excellence in Economic Development Award

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today announced the winners of the 2016 Third District Excellence in Economic Development Award. Smith's award honors eight individuals and businesses helping to strengthen Nebraska communities through innovation, hard work, and entrepreneurship.

The winners have also been recognized by Smith before the U.S. House of Representatives.

“All of the nominees for this year's award have shown they are striving to ensure a strong economic future for Nebraskans,” Smith said. “The eight winners are leaders in their communities and deserve our gratitude for their commitment to growing opportunity in the Third District.”

2016 Winners

Aulick Industries in Scottsbluff, owned by the Aulick family for three generations, employs approximately 100 people in welding, fabrication, tire installation, laundry, auto body tech, decal design, and administration. The company is also involved in Scottsbluff Public Schools' Every Child, Every Day, Everywhere initiative with a goal of introducing students to opportunities in manufacturing and technology careers in the region.  

Brent Comstock of Auburn has owned BCom Solutions since middle school. His technology business has grown to include computer repairs, IT management, software development, and web design. Brent headquartered BCom Solutions in a previously vacant storefront in Auburn and encourages his staff to give back to the community through nonprofit and community board involvement. He donates thousands of dollars in design and digital marketing services to nonprofits and offers free workshops and consultations for businesses. Brent also provides internships to Peru State College.

Bruning Grocery's commitment to hard work, small-town values, and providing exceptional service and quality products has made the store a cornerstone of Bruning, a community of approximately 280 people. Its competitive prices draw many customers from surrounding towns, encouraging more Nebraskans to shop local. Owned by the Philippi family for more than 40 years, Bruning Grocery serves as a leading food supplier for local events and a major contributor to the vibrancy of Bruning’s Main Street.

Chais Meyer of Kearney co-owns 24 Hour Tees, an innovative shirt shop known for its responsiveness to local customers while selling products across the country and around the world. Chais is an advocate for e-commerce as a way to grow rural economies. He is also a member of Kearney’s Downtown Improvement Board to help advance the future of retail and the community.  

Jody Augustyn is the owner of Shanti Yoga by Jody Augustyn, ERYT, based in Loup City and Kearney. In her five years in business, Jody has become known by many as a committed and passionate teacher. In addition to leading her own classes, she also certifies new instructors.  

Landmark Snacks, founded in April 2016 by Nebraska natives Chad and Courtney Lottman, is a jerky and meat snacks production facility in Beatrice employing 50 people. In 1994, at the age of 19, the Lottmans started out as grocery store owners and have grown their business to also include C&C Processing in Diller. Landmark Snacks surpassed its three-year growth plan in a matter of months.

Pacha Soap, headquartered in Hastings, is owned by Hastings College graduates Andrew and Abi Vrbas. Founded in 2012, Pacha Soap employs 16 people in the Hastings area and sells handcrafted products throughout the country. For every bar of soap purchased, they give a bar to someone in need. The company also sets up small soap shops in developing nations to encourage entrepreneurship while supporting WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) efforts through education and donation.

Sand Creek Post & Beam in Wayne is the leading manufacturer of custom-designed wood barn and barn home kits. This family-owned company employs about 50 Nebraskans and has served thousands of customers in 48 states, helping them design their dream barns. Sand Creek’s production plant was destroyed by an EF4 tornado in October 2013, but owners Jule Goeller and Len Dickinson never wavered in their commitment to rebuild. The company operated out of temporary quarters until its grand reopening in summer 2014.