Tracy Area Chamber of Commerce pays tribute to those who made a difference in 2025
It’s rare when people who work extensively with the public are caught off guard to the point where they are rendered almost speechless, but that’s exactly where some of them found themselves at Saturday’s Tracy Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.
But these are not your run-of-the-mill residents. They are the ones who toil behind the scenes without any expectation of reward or praise, and they were honored at the banquet for the way they have given back to Tracy, each in their own way:
OUTSTANDING CHAMBER MEMBER AWARD — KIM TORKELSON
Torkelson, a 2004 graduate of Tracy Area High School, grew up on her family farm and worked for 16 years in senior living care before starting her current job as a secretary at the high school.
She joined the Chamber board three years ago and has served as one of the point people for anything related to the Chamber and the events it puts on.
Torkelson, who organized Family Day in the Park at last year’s Box Car Days celebration, serves as the Chamber’s secretary, is an organizer for Trunk-or-Treat and has helped refresh the “Welcome to Tracy” sign, which, James quipped, “is quite a job. She is always willing to pitch in at multiple events and volunteer wherever she is needed.”
Torkelson and her husband of 18 years, Scott, are the parents of two high school-aged children, Gabriel and Oliver.
“She is dedicated, organized and constantly working to better Tracy as a whole,” said James. “Her commitment is unmatched.” BOSS OF THE YEAR — JERI SCHONS
Schons was introduced by last year’s honoree, Jamie DeSmet, who said Schons has deep roots in Tracy and has longstanding connections to the community.
“She has formed deep and lasting connections that continue to show through her everyday life and work,” DeSmet said. “She embodies the core values of service, courage, humility, family and stewardship.”
Schons is a steady and trusted presence in her job as director of nursing at Sanford Tracy, DeSmet said, and she has helped guide Sanford forward with integrity, empathy and an unwavering commitment to those she has served.
In her senior leadership role, Schons has consistently prioritized the well being of staff and has advocated for the resources and support and staffing necessary to ensure the highest of patient care.
“Guided by values learned early in life and reinforced through service, she has created a meaningful and enduring legacy of care that will continue to positively shape both the hospital and the community for years to come,” said DeSmet.
“Not very often am I caught this off-guard,” Schons said upon accepting her award. “I don’t know what to say — I was not expecting this! Thank you.”
DISTINGUISHED FARMER — MIKE ERBES
Erbes was introduced as a lifelong farmer, who knew from his very early days what his lot in life was. He has had “farming running through his veins since he was a child,” said Steve Buyck, who along with his wife, Carol, earned the award last year. “His passion grew stronger in his teenage years. He comes from a long line of farmers. From the very beginning, agriculture wasn’t just something he did, it was who he was.”
Erbes’ love of farming, Buyck said, extended beyond tractors. He raised and showed pigs in 4H and FFA and was an active member of the FFA, earning recognition as a regional Star Farmer candidate; he received the State FFA Degree and the National FFA Degree.
After high school, Erbes earned a degree in Diesel Mechanics in Whapeton, ND, then returned home to expand his farm, while working as a mechanic at LaVoy’s Repair. He started a repair shop, which expanded and involved into a dealership.
“His custom work grew as well, offering spraying, strip-till and cover crop applications,” Buyck said. “He has never been complacent; he has always been an early adapter of new technology and encourages others to try things, too.”
Buyck said Erbes has always been there for those in need of technical assistance, even over the phone. Buyck said Erbes’ ability to diagnose mechanical problems over the phone is a rare quality.
Erbes is also active in his church and is a leader in the Tracy Area FFA Alumni Group, and has served the Tracy Fire Department for 25 years. He and his wife, Missie, have two adult boys, Brian and John.
EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEER — RHONDA FREDERICKS
Fredericks grew up in Tracy and is a Tracy Area High School graduate and has given back to her community with countless hours of service with a passion for helping Tracy thrive, said Greg Carlson, who introduced Fredericks.
“Her dedication, energy and unwavering love for our community shines through everything that she does,” said Carlson. “Her commitment to the community knows no bounds.”
Fredericks is on a number of groups, including the Library Board, Parks Board, Planning Commission, Box Car Days Committee, HRA Board, Chamber Board, Prairie Women’s Expo Committee and National Night Out Committee.
“She brings enthusiasm, expertise and heart to each committee and project that she is a part of,” Carlson said. “She listens to others, values their ideas and works tirelessly to make Tracy a better place for everyone.”
Last year’s Exceptional Volunteer Award winner, Ron Boje, was also recognized, as he wasn’t present at last year’s banquet.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR — JAY FULTZ
Fultz is also a Tracy Area High School graduate, and farms just east of Tracy. He and his wife, Sheila, lived out of state after he graduated from college before starting a family in the Minneapolis area. Fultz and Shiela later returned to the Tracy with their children, Nathan and Elizabeth, and joined the family business.
“Since returning to Tracy, he has consistently demonstrated a passion for service and community involvement,” Carlson said. “He became actively involved in his church, our schools and numerous local organizations.”
A nine-year school board member, Fultz continues to volunteer his time at Tracy Lutheran Church, and is actively involved with the Chamber and its Box Car Days Committee, and with the Fine Arts Council. Fultz is a strong advocate for agriculture and serves on the Minnesota Pork Board.
“Above all, he is known for his positive attitude, warm smile and an unwavering willingness lend a helping hand whenever it is needed,” Carlson said. “His dedication and leadership has resulted in a long-lasting impact on the community.”
DIAMOND AWARD — BOX CAR DAYS COMMITTEE
Emcee Jesse James described the Box Car Days Committee as a group of individuals who generously give of their time and talents in order to make the event a big success every year.
“Planning for Box Car Days begins months before the event itself, and this dedicated group spends countless hours organizing, preparing and coordinating activities, volunteers and the logistics to ensure a smooth and enjoyable weekend for our community,” James said.
James added that the group’s, commitment and teamwork help to create lasting memories for both residents and visitors.
Jay Fultz accepted the award on behalf of the group. He said organizing Box Car Days goes well beyond just the committee itself.
“The volunteers are what makes this town celebration so special,” said Fultz, who encouraged banquet attendees Saturday who have helped in any way with the event to stand to be recognized. “We want to recognize you and thank you for helping us make Box Car Days a true town celebration.”
Fultz also thanked all the individuals and sponsors who support the annual event every year — “Your generosity is appreciated and truly makes a difference,” he said.
• The Chamber also held its business meeting Saturday.
Carlson took over from Lori Alf as the Chamber’s new chair, and Ashley Peters and Tom Dobson were elected to Chamber board positions. They will be replacing Alf and Fredericks, who both resigned from their respective positions. As there is no currently Chamber director, Carlson said all members have stepped up to make things happen.
“When I think of the last year, it has definitely been challenging,” Carlson said. “We’ve had all the board members step up and take on additional roles. I want to commend our board for the additional efforts we have all been committed to.”
Carlson singled out Torkelson and fellow board member Jeanne Knott for taking on numerous tasks over the last year.
• Financially, the Chamber’s net income in 2025 was $8,626.92, up from $6,748.56 in 2024, according to numbers provided by the Chamber. This is mostly as a result of the Chamber not paying for a director — payroll expenses dropped from $19,117.15 in 2025 to just $724.06 last year.
Another big savings were from Box Car Days, as expenses in 2025 were $66,239.84, down from $71,799.98 the prior year.
Income in 2025 was down from $124,600.07 in 2024 to $103,350.62. While BCD expenses were down, so, too, was income brought in — from more than $96,000 in 2024 to Just short of $82,000 last year. Dues and memberships were down almost $2,000, Income from the Prairie Women’s Expo last year dropped from $6,850 to $2,175. Also, the Night Golf event brought in about $700 less in 2025 than it did in 2024.
Total Chamber assets in 2025 stood at $75,431.54, which is up from $67,340.38 in 2024.
The Chamber will also be erecting an electronic “Welcome to Tracy” sign later this year to replace the current wood sign, which will be donated to the Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center.
