(KLZA)--An Auburn banker was recognized during the Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference held recently in Kearney, Nebraska.

During their awards ceremony, Mike Gerdes of Auburn was recognized as Business Person of the Year. Gerdes was nominated for the award by the Peru State College PBL Chapter.

Gerdes is Vice President of the Auburn State Bank and was honored for his continual support of the Peru State Chapter and its members.

In addition to his ongoing support of PBL, Gerdes, a 1988 Peru State graduate, serves on the Board of the Peru State Football Booster Clue and served on the college's latest Strategic Planning Committee.