A minister in Atlantic has received the Athena Award for serving the community and assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The 14th Annual Athena Award sponsored locally by Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic, went to the Reverend Lanette Plamback,  during the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ annual banquet and awards program held Saturday night at the Cass County Community Center. She received the award from last year’s winner, Pat Markham, former CEO of the Cass County Memorial Hospital.

Rev. Lanette Plambeck, 2014 Athena Award winner.

The Reverend Plambeck started at the 1st United Methodist Church in Atlantic about  5 and one-half years ago, and has since served the community through many programs such as “Celebrate Recovery,” “Soldier Ministry,” ministry at the Heritage House, the Ministerial Alliance and Micronesian community development. She was also described as being a great mentor to women and children in the community. The Athena Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan and has grown to include presentations to more than 6,000 individuals in hundreds of cities across the globe.

Other awards presented during the evening include:

• Outstanding Volunteer – The Atlantic Business and Professional Women’s organization (BPW).
• Ambassadors – Pat McCurdy, Rich Perry, and Dolly Bergmann.
• Ambassador of the Year – Sue Muri.
• Community Betterment – The City of Atlantic Street Department.
• Business of the Year – Brown Shoe Fit.
• Distinguished Service Award – Doctor Keith and Bernice Swanson.

The evening’s dinner was catered by The Downtowner Cafe,’ while the banquet and program was sponsored by the Allen House and The Office Stop.