The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau held their annual dinner Saturday evening in the new Copper and Brass Room on Madison Street in Clinton.

The Chamber this year took the opportunity to showcase their new Barn Quilts, and auctioned off two small 'quilts' for a home owner to showcase.

For the first time at their annual dinner, the Chamber had the community nominate community members who made a difference throughout the year in Clinton. Once the nominations were in, the Chamber took the community to vote for the Clintonian of the year, and the recipient of the first ever "Clintonian of the Year" was Patrick Peterson. Peterson works extensively in the community, and in 2011 he worked with the 175th Committee to make Clinton's 175th celebration a success. He is also the designer of the new fountain on Mr. Lincoln Square in downtown Clinton. Those are just a few of the many areas of the community Peterson is involved in. He says it is quite an honor to be the Clintonian of the Year and he is very thankful to the community for the recognition.

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Of the many organizations and activities Peterson involves himself in, there is a lot to take pride in. He feels his work with the downtown fountain on the square is what he is most proud of.

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Being involved in the community, Peterson enjoys working with all the community members and continuing to work to make Clinton a great place to live. He adds in the future he would like to see more people in the community get involved.

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Other awards at the Chamber's annual dinner...

Small Business of the year went to Scott Williamson and the Shack.
Large Business of the year went to the State Bank of Lincoln.

(Image Courtesy of EMC Photography)