In recognition of his many accomplishments, the Nebraska Small Business Administration named Jim Blackburn the Business Person of the Year in 1992. Jim has been very active in the community throughout his long and distinguished career. He was a member of the Neligh volunteer fire department and was Fire Chief for three years. He also served as a director on the Neligh Chamber of Commerce board, chairman of the Antelope County Airport Authority, member of the Neligh Industrial Development board and Board of Governors at Northeast Community College. He is a past President of the Golden Prairie Pheasants Forever Chapter and is currently on the Antelope Memorial Hospital Advisory Board.