NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Business today announced the 2,023 inductees to the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, including the Holzfaster family, agribusiness/community development of Paxton; • Mildred “Millie” Brown, Omaha Star (posthumous); • Jim Clifton & Jane Miller, Gallup of Omaha; • Ralph & Beverly • Anthony “Tony” Messineo, Jr., Valentino’s of Lincoln; and • Wilfred “Dick” Tegtmeier, Encore Mfg. Co. of Beatrice (posthumous), according to a press release dated .
The honorees will be formally inducted Thursday at the NE Chamber Annual Meeting and Nebraska Business Hall of Fame Banquet. February 2 at 5:30 pm “This year’s laureates embody the vision, determination and loyalty to community often rooted in our boldest thoughts as Nebraskans,” said NE Chamber President Bryan Slone. “The impact each of them has had on our communities, quality of life, and the reputation and identity of the state is awe-inspiring.”
These individuals join a distinguished group of more than 130 business leaders whose work in business development in Nebraska has significantly impacted the free enterprise system, the Nebraska economy, overall employment opportunities and the quality of life in their communities. Candidates are proposed by individuals from the business community, business associations and the academic community.
The Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster Family, Agribusiness/Community Development, Paxton Ralph and Beverly Holzfaster began their early agricultural careers in adaptive harvesting and proving new stubble mulching practices on dry wheat, leading to limited farming in British Columbia. Embracing pivot irrigation technology in 1969, Ralph opened the Lindsay Manufacturing dealership in Ogallala. His continued commitment to advancing agriculture, economic development and ethanol opportunities is evident in his service on several boards over the years, including the Nebraska Ethanol Authority & Development Board, the Nebraska Public Power District, the Keith County Economic Development Board and Foundation, and the Mid-Plains Community College Foundation , as well as a board member of private ethanol and bioenergy companies. The Holzfaster family co-hosted the 2013 Cattleman’s Ball and remains active locally, state and nationally in agriculture, economic development, housing and tourism initiatives, including operating Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge.
The program was founded in 1992 by the NE Chamber and the UNL College of Business. “We are excited to recognize and salute the accomplishments of the 2023 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame inductees, whose contributions to Nebraska’s economy and business environment are broad and far-reaching. This group includes entrepreneurs, exceptional business leaders and highly engaged citizens who have made a tremendous impact on the state,” said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Dean of the UNL College of Business.
The NE Chamber is the state’s largest business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. Learn more at nechamber.com.
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