The Austin Jaycees are getting recognition for their 2013 efforts.

The local chapter of the Jaycees took away plenty of awards from the annual Jaycees Convention in Minneapolis Jan. 17-19. 2013 chapter president Amie Klouse was one of four chapter presidents to receive the Charles Kulp Jr. Memorial Award, which is an award to recognize the top 30 chapter presidents in the country. Klouse also won the Les Farrington Memorial Award, which recognizes one outstanding Minnesota chapter president. Klouse also met Civic Leadership Certification (CLC) for the chapter and led the chapter to walking No. 1 in the parade of chapters.

“From what I’ve been told, I don’t know an Austin chapter has ever done that,” Klouse said.
The Austin chapter received the Henry Giessenbier Jr. memorial Award, which is given to the chapter with the best overall programming. Several Jaycee members advanced in the Jacyees degree program, which according to Klouse shows a Jaycee’s progress in participating in Jaycee functions.

“Ultimately, you want to get to degree 10,” she said.

Kim Bryant received her first degree, Scott Bryant and Becky Helfritz earned their second degrees, Jessica Kennedy received her third degree, and Brian Klouse received his fifth degree.

The Austin branch also won several overall awards. Austin members took home three awards for chapter planning guides, a gold award for the Austin website, and the chapter won a bronze award. Kennedy won a silver award for membership vice president. Kim Bryant won bronze for new Jaycee, Brian won a gold award for being a treasurer and Amie won a bronze award for chapter president.

For Amie and other Jaycees, the awards are a welcome change from where they were. The successful year was a positive turn around for the Austin Jaycees, which was on the verge of closing due to membership drop 15 months ago.

“We had almost folded, to going to top in the state,” Amie said. “It’s pretty good.”

Scott Bryant was elected the 2014 president of the local Jaycees branch on Wednesday.