Niekamp named Coldwater's Citizen of the Year

COLDWATER - Brad Niekamp was named the Citizen of the Year at Wednesday's Coldwater Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet.

Neikamp works at WCSM Radio in Celina as a sales consultant and is a member of Coldwater Village Council.

"God, I love Coldwater," Niekamp said while accepting the award. "Everybody here knows why Coldwater is as amazing as it is, and that's why we all work our butts off to keep it a community that we love."

Niekamp said he could not have accomplished all that he has if not for his wife, Liz.

He said he has worked on numerous committees to ensure his sons have the community that he grew up in.

"All I can say is that I believe God blesses us with time and talents and at the end of our lives we have to pay and account for what we did with our time and our talents," he said. "I work for the glory of God in that way."

Elevate Fitness and Wellness was named Business of the Year. Present to accept the award were business owners Kelly and Mike Hoying and Natalie and Dan Kanney. Kelly Hoying said they opened their business in 2017 with a passion and drive to help change people's health and hopefully their lives. She said they have been overwhelmed by the support the community has shown them since the fitness facility opened, whether by joining in a class, or saying positive things about it.

Chris and Jane Dippold received the chamber's Community Improvement Award. The couple operate Pennyjane Art Company. Jane Dippold said the gallery contains works by 20 local artists who create everything from pottery to jewelry and other pieces.

Coldwater Kiwanis members Molly Hay and Nancy Hartke received the Volunteer of the Year Award for their work launching the inaugural Christmas at Memorial Park lighted event. Neither attended the banquet, but presenter Amy Spriggs said the pair was nominated by several people and were unanimously voted to win because they exemplified volunteerism.

Spriggs said Hay and Hartke worked for months to create the free, family-friendly event. At least 2,000 people took part in the opening parade and 250 gift bags were given out to kids, she said.

Macy Beougher and Brooke Harlamert received Youth In Action Awards. The award is given to a high school student who works or volunteers at a member business, shows exceptional work or volunteer ethic, is a good employee in regard to attitude and attendance and is dedicated to community service.  

At the conclusion of the banquet, outgoing chamber president Keith Kessen said he recently heard a presentation that noted only 7% of people in the world started a business.

"Which means 93% of the world's population work for someone who started the business. So, you 7% of business owners support our economy, the people working for you, as well as provide valuable services and goods that support the local area," Kessen said. "To which I say thank you."