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Glen Gust retired from 40 years in the grocery business nine months ago, but he returned to Luverne Monday night to accept an award from local business leaders who named him Outstanding Chamber Member of the Year.
“Thank you all … I’m very humbled,” he said in the crowded Sterling’s Café and Grille. “Thank you all for giving me a great chapter in my life. I loved it.”
He also thanked his family for supporting him and his work through the years. “I couldn’t have done it with them.”
Chamber Board member Ryan Wynia presented him with a Sioux quartzite decorative slab with his name and honor engraved in it.
Current Chamber President Faye Bremer spoke of Gust’s 40-year grocery career — most of those years in Luverne.
In particular, she mentioned his generosity in supporting and donating to local causes and organizations.
“He has given of his time, talent and resources to hundreds of organizations, institutions, operations and events within the area,” she said, reading a speech prepared by the Chamber office.
“He has our respect and deepest gratitude and it is our honor to announce his selection to you as the Luverne Area Chamber’s Outstanding Member.”
The Luverne Area Chamber Board of Directors began the Outstanding Chamber Member Program in 2005 to recognize retired or semi-retired individuals who help the community through volunteer time, talent, leadership and resources.