(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet Thursday evening, with the theme: “Light Up Le Mars.” The evening featured some uplifting and inspirational videos showcasing Le Mars and its people, as well as a few comical videos, such as a parody of the Le Mars Public Library and the Le Mars Eagles Club combining “Happy Hour” with “Children’s Story Time.” Another humorous video featured outgoing president Joel Johnson and incoming president, Kelsey Langel, appearing in Plymouth County District Court before the Honorable Judge Jeff Neary. This year’s Business of the Year was presented to Scott Taylor, and the employees of Total Motors. The local auto dealership has expanded its business during the last few years, acquiring both the dealership
Dirk’s Motors in Akron and then also acquiring the dealership of Motor Inn. Total Motors is now expanding its facilities by constructing a new showroom, offices, and service area. Part of the expansion allowed Total Motors to feature new Chevrolet vehicles. Le Mars hadn’t had a Chevy dealership since Nuebel
Motors were forced to give up the dealership through the government reorganization of General Motors. Taylor thanked all of his employees for their assistance with the transition.
“Business of the Year” – Total Motors
The “Citizen of the Year” was presented to Rich Ziettlow. Ziettlow is a dedicated volunteer with the Main Street organization. He serves on the Historical Preservation Board, he has helped with the Alley Art project, the placement of the fiberglass ice cream cones, offering tours of Le Mars to traveling tourists, writing grants for Main Street organization, helped organize the Youth On Main Street, as well as the new “Seniors On Main Street” program.
Citizen of the Year – Rich Ziettlow
Linda Mayrose was presented the honor of Main Street Volunteer.
Main Street Volunteer of the Year – Linda Mayrose.
United Way Volunteer of the Year – NorAm Campaign Team with its leader Esperanzo Wolhman.
Three people were recognized as “Boss of the Quarter.” They included Kim Clarey of Primebank, Dr. Tom Jeneary of Jeneary Dental, and Tim Hop, Captain of the Le Mars Police Department. Dr. Jeneary was unable to attend the awards banquet.
“Boss of the Quarter” – Kim Clarey and Tim Hop
Several people were honored as the “Employee of the
Month” which included, Susie Plathe of Donegal Insurance, Don Johnson with Hy- Vee, Stacy Wiltgen, Janice Kneip, Robin Ellensohn, Kari Puetz, and Karen Nuebel with the Gehlen Catholic cafeteria staff. Audra Grosenheider with P’s Pizza
House, Brenda Plueger with Floyd Valley Healthcare, Larry Bowers of NIPCO, Jane Grosenheider, Jessica Pottebaum, and Pam Brownmiller with Hotopp’s Jewelry and Gifts. The honor of “Employee of the Month” was also extended to the employees
of the former Timmy’s Catering which included: Alma Willer, Barbara Johnson, Brenda Baldwin, Carolyn Vance, Collette Beitelspacher, Dean Johnson, Jolene Kinney, Judy Schulz, Julia Schulz, Karla Hansen, Lois Hageman, Michael Johnson,
Susan Becker, Theresa Jellema, Vidette “Marie” Sanow, Violet Lane, Marjorie Kovarna, Ann Bunkers, Beau Sudtelgte, Brittany Lambert, Michelle Ten Napel, Robert Hodson, Samantha Ten Napel, Sydney Landis, Audrey Schultz, and Cheryl Clary.
“Employees of the Month”
