3 to be inducted into Hall of Fame

COLUMBUS -- Three men will be recognized for their contributions at the Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame dinner.

J.O. Peck, William Gerhold Sr. and E.H. “Bus” Lohr will be honored at the Tuesday event to be held at the New World Inn. This will be the fourth annual event since the recognition started during Columbus’ sesquicentennial celebration.

Each year a committee chooses up to three business leaders for the Hall of Fame based on contributions those people have made to the community, said K.C. Belitz, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.

“It started at the S-150 as a way to recognize the business heritage that has so much to do with the nature of the community now. We are influenced pretty strongly by business and those leaders who have impacted the community,” Belitz said.

Those honored at this year’s event are ideal recipients, he said.

“In the case of all three of them, they have had such an enduring impact on the community. Each has left a legacy. In the case of Mr. Gerhold, the company still continues. In the case of Mr. Peck, the bank still continues. In the case of Mr. Lohr, the business not only continues but the industrial recruitment continues to impact the community today,” Belitz said.

Lohr was the founder of Lohr Petroleum Company, Inc., and ran that business for 64 years. A Columbus native born in 1910, Lohr started his company in 1932 with $600 of borrowed capital. He later founded Swiss Automatics, a precision parts manufacturing firm. That company is known today as Torin Products.

His community involvement included helping to found the community college, being a founding member of Junior Achievement and Big Brothers-Big Sisters, a member of the Columbus Community Housing Board of Directors, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and serving on various boards and with several organizations.

The Gerhold family has business roots in Columbus dating back to 1869, when Wilhelm Gerhold was awarded the contract to build two bridges across Shell Creek. William Gerhold and his brother, Alfred, went on to form a partnership in 1921 that became Gerhold Company. The gravel and sand production and construction company continues today under the direction of Gerhold’s sons, William Jr. and Jim.

Gerhold worked on many projects including the Loup Canal project and graveling and constructing state highways. The company also helped with construction projects during World War II and later including the Lincoln Air Base, Fairmont Air Base, Bruning Air Base, bomb storage units and missile silos.

Peck brought his banking skills to Columbus in 1943 after

starting in the business when he was 17. He purchased a controlling share of Central Nebraska Bank and Trust in Columbus when the bank was a small operation on 13th Street. Under his leadership, the bank grew and has become one of the state’s largest. Peck worked to help craft a banking bill that allowed for banks to have detached offices and drive throughs.

He was also involved in the developing of industrial sites in Columbus. He helped form Industries Inc., which was the first step in providing competitive advantages for Columbus’ industrial growth.

Also to be given out Tuesday evening are the Athena Award, the Archway Award and the Charles Farnham Volunteer of the Year Award.

Lynette Hogelin will be the recipient of the Athena Award, which is given to an outstanding business or professional woman. Hogelin, a Columbus native, owns Lynette’s Dance Studio and has volunteered with various organizations and boards including the Columbus Area United Way, Columbus Days, Mrs. Nebraska Pageant and Relay for Life.

The Archway Award, which recognizes a businessman, will go to Ron Hostetter, CEO at Cornhusker Public Power District. During his utility career at Cornhusker, the district has developed important programs including the Community Builders Program and the Cornhusker Goodwill Fund. He has also been involved in economic development and other community projects.

Mathew “Bud” Fleischer will be given the Volunteer of the Year Award. He is a past president of Platte College Foundation, has served on the board for the Columbus Community Hospital, served as United Way drive chairman and been involved with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.