Gary Papik has been named this year’s Outstanding Chamber Member.
He was honored at a reception Tuesday night in Sterling’s Café and Grille, downtown Luverne.
“I was very surprised and it is really an honor,” Papik said about the Luverne Chamber award. “With all the great people that have been awarded this honor before me, it’s great to be mentioned along with them.”
The Outstanding Chamber Member recognizes individuals for business success and community contribution.
Papik said it seems natural to support a community that’s supported him.
“Luverne has been a great place for raising my three kids and it has been a great place to have a business,” Papik said.
“I really wanted to give something back to Luverne. I want to make sure that all of my 10 grandchildren also want to live in Luverne.”
He said it’s important to him that his children and grandchildren understand the importance of participating in community success.
“I also want them to see the greatness of this great community that I see every day,” Papik said. “I just want everyone in this great community to know that if we all work together to support all of the local businesses the sky is the limit with what we can do.”
He said he’s encouraged by the success of community projects so far and is committed to working on future successes.
“I for one am not going to give up and I will do everything I can to make things happen,” he said. “I can truthfully say that you have not seen anything yet. I can never say thank you enough for this great honor.”
Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere wrote a tribute to Papik in the November edition of the Chamber Chatter. Those words follow here:
The selection of Gary Papik as the 2014 Outstanding Chamber Member was made not only for the success of Papik Motors but for all that he has done over the past years to contribute to the community over-all.
He is a respected leader, donating his time, energy and resources to many community programs.
Gary currently serves as vice president of Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow and is involved in a large variety of community-driven commercial projects such as: GrandStay Hotel and Suites, Take 16 Brewing Co., Luverne Trolley LLC, and the Arcade Building.
He and his wife, Janine, are passionate about being involved in the community as they attend hundreds of community functions and fundraising events.
“I’ve lived my life with a strong Christian faith and devotion to my family, business and community,” Papik said.
The Papiks are proud of creating the annual Papik Family Music Scholarship through Dollars for Scholars given to a deserving Luverne High School senior.
They donated a fully refurbished grand piano to the historic Palace Theatre, with a dedication concert given by his family members, and a digital bell carillon to Grace Lutheran Church.
“It was given in honor of our precious grandchildren, and [it gets played] twice daily in our community for all to hear,” he said.
One of his friends was quoted as saying, “When you see a white custom van driving through town, you know Gary is up to something. I have never met anyone who is as committed to a community like Gary Papik— 200 percent. He is always thinking and always working to connect with a person or business who will make a positive difference in the future of Luverne.”
Gary Papik lives his life committed to his family, business and community.
In his semi-retirement he works harder than ever with a commitment to Luverne and a devotion to the success of all of our businesses.
He does this because he wants his children and grandchildren; Luverne residents, visitors and customers; and businesses to be as proud of this place he calls home as he is.
In her tribute, Lanphere encouraged the public to attend Tuesday night’s reception “to congratulate Gary Papik in receiving this honor and thank him for all he has done and continues to do for this great community —Luverne, our hometown.”