Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Update your browser

Summit Contracting Recognized as the 2023 New Business of the Year by the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership

2023 New Business of the Year - Seward County Development Partnership

Summit Contracting Recognized as the 2023 New Business of the Year by the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership

We are honored to be recognized by the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership as the 2023 New Business of the Year. "Building the Nebraska headquarters for Summit Contracting in Seward, with its strong agricultural roots, is a natural fit for us," said John Southwick, Vice President of Summit Contracting, who accepted the award. "This is huge for our company to put down stakes somewhere that our customers know we’re here for the long haul," Southwick added.

Seward is a wonderful community for our employees to live in and to raise their families. "It has the small-town feeling with a lot of amenities," Southwick shared. "We are excited to offer the community a wide range of jobs and look forward to attracting a lot of talent to Seward."

Founded in 2009 by Tyler and Katy Samuelson, Summit Contracting has evolved into an industry-leading full-service farm construction company, committed to delivering outstanding quality and service. We appreciate the opportunity to grow our business and build relationships in the Seward community.

Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership Hosts Annual Awards Banquet

Seward, Nebraska, February 5, 2024 – The Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership (SCCDP) hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on January 29, 2024. This year’s banquet had over one hundred and thirty attendees and more than forty businesses were represented.

"The SCCDP Annual Awards Banquet is one of our organization's premier events where we get to celebrate the many accomplishments of our members and community leaders from across the county,” SCCDP President & CEO, Jonathan Jank said.

This year’s awards winners were:

2023 Guiding Principles Award------------------------ Seward Wellness Center

2023 Ambassador of the Year-------------------------- Jane Rehmer

2023 Seward County Business Expansion of the Year--- Concordia University, Nebraska Borland Center for Music and Theatre

2023 Allen Barghahn Customer Service Award----- Jeanie Hecker

2023 Volunteer of the Year----------------------------- Kylie Schildt

2023 New Business of the Year------------------------ Summit Contracting

2023 Affiliate Member Business of the Year-------- Centennial Market Cooperative

2023 Community Service Award---------------------- Clark Kolterman

2023 Chairperson of the Year-------------------------- Matt Howe

The award videos are available via the SCCDP YouTube channel. The videos were recorded in an interview style to best capture the story of the awards winners. Here is a link to the videos: Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership - YouTube

The public and private sectors come together during the event to build relationships and reflect on the triumphs of last year. Being able to bring a variety of people and businesses together to celebrate civic engagement is what the Awards Banquet is all about to Jank.

John Southwick accepting 2023 New Business of the Year Award
John Southwick, Nebraska market president for Summit Contracting (center), accepts the New Business of the Year award from SCCDP President and CEO Jonathan Jank (left). Also pictured is Mike Tjepkes of Great Plains Communications, sponsor of the award. Photo provided by Seward County Independent.


“The event this year was a great success with excellent attendance, well deserving awardees, and great connections made by those in the business community,” Jank said.

The Awards Banquet takes time to present the SCCDP’s Annual Report. This document contemplates the achievements of the organization in the last year. These various goals have been set to fulfill the SCCDP’s strategic plan which is set in partnership with the Board of Directors and is mediative of public and private sector members’ priorities. This document can be found on the SCCDP website.

The Awards Banquet will continue to be a primary event in Seward County for years to come as a way for people and businesses to come together and commemorate the advancements in Seward County.