Lincoln Chamber awards 'business excellence,' installs officers for 2026

The Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2025 Business Excellence Awards & Installation Dinner on Friday night, Feb. 6, at The Event Center downtown. A sold-out crowd – from the front of the stage to the balcony – enjoyed dinner and a silent auction for desserts while awards were presented and the 2026 Chamber board was installed. Mark Luster, 2026 president, said the chamber should move forward together. "We've heard so much tonight about community, and it is a sense of that here. Lincoln is really special when it comes to community and pulling together," he said. "We face our challenges, but we always come back, and we always pull together. In Chamber of Commerce, it is about people. It's about small businesses opening their doors every morning, nonprofits serving without fanfare and leaders who understand the progress happens locally. … I have seen competitors become collaborators, and I have seen businesses invest in the next generation." Taking the oath of office from Mayor Richard Pearl were Ken Long, Al Gonzales, Whitney Eklund, Mark Luster, Ken Long, Nicole Siddle and Steve Jacobs. Also, Claire Luke was honored with a chamber ambassador legacy award. Here are the other award winners for 2025: Non-profit organization: Kiwanis Club. Community volunteer: Diane Silveira. Sips & Spirits of the Year: Rancho Roble Vineyards. Taste of the Year: Saladworks. Business of the Year: Hops & Hogs Country Smokehouse. John Fett Business Innovation: Easy Company.