Iola Chamber names annual award winners

IOLA –The Iola Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its annual community awards during its 28th annual Awards Night last week.
With 30 ballots cast by members, voting was tightly contested across all three award categories.

“I’m always impressed with the group we have,” Chamber President Greg Loescher said. “The businesses that we have in this community are just outstanding.”

Scott Bestul was named Outstanding Person of the Year. A lifelong staple of the Iola community, Bestul is known for dedicating his time and resources to organizations such as the Iola Conservation Club, the Iola Car Show, and the

Iola Lions Club, which he joined in 1990 and has twice led as president.

Bestul is also involved in the outdoors and youth education, teaching hunter safety for more than 40 years, leading kids’ archery and fishing days. Fellow nominees for the honor included Rick Ertl, Jerry Kopecky and Jennifer Shustek.

Little Wolf Gallery was awarded Outstanding Business of the Year. Owner Donovan Brooke started his glassblowing studio in 2021 when he purchased the former Homestead Real Estate building at 180 N. Main St., next to the Iola Post Office. He recently purchased glassblowing equipment from a retiring Madison artist and plans to hold glassblowing classes and demonstrations.

Since opening during car show week in 2021, Brooke has showcased local and statewide artists while expanding the gallery into a community gathering space featuring coffee, wine tastings and live music. Brooke also developed websites and hosting services for JP Media and the Iola Historical Society. Iola Bookkeeping and Tax Service was also nominated for the business award.

The Spark Plug Award, which recognizes younger community leaders between the ages of 21 and 40, was given to Amanda Christoph, who has helped organize several Chamber events over the years, including Taste in Tunes.

In 2024, Christoph launched a new event, Family Fun Week, which featured daily activities throughout Iola and concluded with children’s games at the Iola Historical Society Historic Village. Activities included a weeklong scavenger hunt and contests such as hula hooping, ball dribbling, three-legged races, jump roping and a water balloon toss. Morgan Pease was also nominated for the Spark Plug Award.