The Custer Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) held its Annual Member Appreciation and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Kinkaider in Broken Bow, celebrating local businesses, organizations, and individuals whose efforts are contributing to the growth and strength of Custer County. CEDC presented five awards recognizing innovation, leadership, service, and community impact.

One of the award recipients is Callaway’s own Stacey Guthard.

However, in line with why she was recognized for the award in the first place, Stacey was not able to be present at the ceremony, as she was attending a LEAD Seminar that evening.

Stacey is the recipient of the 2026 Wheelhorse Award. The CEDC recognized her for her dedication to the Callaway community and her extensive service through the Callaway Chamber and other community organizations.

Receiving this award is a big accomplishment, and Stacey’s co-workers felt it was important that she be publicly honored. So, since she was unable to attend the awards ceremony, they decided to host an awards presentation and reception at Security First Bank in Callaway on Thursday, Oct. 8. CEDC Executive Director Scotti Ross was present at the reception to present the award.

“Each of these recipients represents a different way of strengthening our community,” said Ross. “Their willingness to invest, adapt, lead, and serve makes a meaningful difference in the future of Custer County.”

The Wheelhorse Award recognizes someone who is willing to step up, get the work done, bring people together, and help move their community forward. Ross stated that this year’s recipient is someone who truly embodies that spirit, as she shared comments on why Stacey was selected for this award.

“She is an organizer, a motivator, a doer, a worker, a leader, and a team player. She is the person who makes sure things happen.

For the Callaway Chamber, Stacey is often the one behind the scenes making sure every detail is covered. Whether it is the Pioneer Picnic, ribbon cuttings, the community-wide garage sale, the Easter egg hunt, or any number of other community events, she thinks through the details - budgets, schedules, people, locations, publicity - and makes sure the pieces come together. But her impact on Callaway extends far beyond the Chamber.

She is a driving force behind the Callaway Development Corporation, which owns the local motel. She is the go-to person for the cleaning staff and maintenance, reviews CDC loan applications, and helps keep a close eye on the organization's finances.

She also serves on the board of Callaway Good Life, where she again brings her leadership, financial oversight, and attention to policy. And when the organization is short-staffed, Stacey doesn't just ask how she can help - she steps in and does the work.

She serves on the loan committee for the LB840 program, helping organize meetings and gather the information needed to evaluate loan applications. She is also deeply involved with the committee overseeing the Callaway housing rehabilitation program, including applicant meetings, paperwork, and site visits.

And somehow, she manages to do all of this while raising three active boys - Sutton, Sawyer, and Skylar, who are in second, fourth, and seventh grades - and keeping up with their practices and games throughout the week. Did I mention she and Scott run a large cow/calf operation as well?

Stacey’s commitment to her community isn't simply about holding positions or attending meetings. She gives her time, energy, resources, and willingness to step in wherever she is needed – and she does it with a smile.”

Several community members joined Ross and Stacey’s bank co-workers in congratulating her and enjoyed coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls. Stacey is one of the hard-working people who make Callaway such a special place, and the Courier joins in congratulating her on this award.