He is a driving force in community organizations, and she takes time to educate those with special needs.
The Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce handed out its man and woman of the year honors to John Elliott and Lois Niemier Thursday night at its annual meeting at 2517, Warsaw. Dan Daggett, WRSW, presented the awards.
The annual meeting allows the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce to recognize local industries, businesses and individuals for their contributions locally and abroad.Elliott, who has been involved in numerous community organizations for more than 35 years, was named Man of the Year.
"To be recognized in a room full of people dedicated to community service is quite an honor," Elliot said as he accepted the award.
The list of community groups and organizations Elliott is involved in is extensive. A few of them include the Warsaw Breakfast Optimists, Warsaw Community Development Corp., Baker Youth Clubs, Kosciusko County Historical Society and the Central Park Steering Committee.
According to one letter recommending him for the Man of the Year honor, "When he becomes involved in a cause, he is relentless in pursuing the objectives of the organization. He is a tremendous advocate for the community."
Niemier, who has been a special needs teacher and opened Learning Solutions in 2004, was named Woman of the Year.
"I am beyond surprised and shocked," Niemier said. "I am humbled. I have been so blessed with such a fabulous life."
In opening her learning clinic, she raised more than $300,000 from local foundations and private organizations to help students. She also is a member of the Washington Elementary PTO, the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days Committee, Kosciusko Literacy Services, Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund and Tri-Kappa.
Along with the man and woman of the year honors, several other awards were handed out at Thursday night's dinner.
Ryan Jessen, National City Bank, received the Ambassador of the Year award from Susan Derr.
The Dimensions of Excellence Service Business Award was presented to Pill Box Pharmacy. The business started when Bill and Sherri Wynn purchased the Pill Box Pharmacy in Mentone. Eventually, they expanded to Warsaw and currently are in the process of building a new 14,000-square-foot facility that includes home medical equipment.
"We fell in love with the community. I can't imagine ever leaving," Bill Wynn said.
The Dimensions of Excellence Business Award was given to Robinson Construction. The business, which was started 62 years ago, now employs three generations.
"I would like to publicly thank my mom and dad," Dan Robinson said. "I owe them everything. ... This community, I think it's the best community, and we are blessed with great customers."
Trailhouse Bike Shop was honored with the Dimensions of Excellence Entrepreneur Award. Starting as Free Wheelin' in 1975, and evolving to Tarkio Road in 1982, Trailhouse moved to Winona Lake and has been successful for more than 30 years. Ron and Nancy Gast opened the business after Ron read an a magazine article about starting a small-town bike shop.
Since Ron and Nancy were in Florida, their son Rob Gast Jr., accepted the award for them.
"We couldn't have done it without the community here," he said.
G&G Hauling and Excavating was presented with the Dimensions of Excellence Industry Award. The Groninger family, who started the business nearly 40 years ago, has a passion for business, employees and giving back to the community.
"We owe this to our mother and father as well," said Richard Groninger, who accepted the award with his brother, Carey. "We are truly honored."
The Government Excellence Award was given to Bob Momeyer, Kosciusko County director of IT. Momeyer has been employed by the county for 13 years and keeps the computer systems in running order.
"He exemplifies public servant in every sense of the word," said Jean Northenor, who presented the award. "He is one of the unsung heroes."
Also at the dinner, new members of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors were named. Darryl Smith, Dalton Corp., and John Warren, Tower Bank, are the new members of the board. They join renewal members Nancy Amundgaard, Teacher's Credit Union, and Becky Plummer, Staffmark.
The chamber board officers for 2009 are: Jack Moore, Embarq, president; Kevin Deardorff, Lake City Bank, chair-elect; Tim Meyer, Medtronic (retired), treasurer; and Pamela Hester, Rohm & Haas Powder Coatings, immediate past chair.
