(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards night on Saturday evening at the Le Mars Convention Center. Insurance agent Rob Bixenman was honored with the “Citizen of the Year” award. Bixemann thanked the community for allowing him to grow a business in Le Mars. Bixenman told the crowd that several generations of his family have stayed in Le Mars and built several businesses, none of which followed the previous generation.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/February 2015/Bixenman1.MP3{/audio}
Bixenman thanked the town of Le Mars for offering him the opportunity to raise a family and grow a business.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/February 2015/Bixenman2.MP3{/audio}
Bike Central was honored as the Le Mars “Business of the Year”. Bike Central, in its initial four years of business has developed loyal customers from miles away, and has welcomed participants in their sanctioned events from surrounding states. At a time when people are becoming more health conscious, and outdoor activities are recognized as a large part of quality of life opportunities; Bike Central has timed it perfectly. It has become a draw to the downtown as well as a draw to the community.
Jack Guenthner was given the award for the United Way Volunteer of the Year. Angie Erdman was presented the Main Street “Volunteer of the Year” award.
The Employees of the Month and Bosses of the Quarter were honored during the evening’s festivities. Employees of the Month included: Mindy Scheitler and Jackie Sitzmann of Gehlen Catholic Schools. Sue Brandenburg of KLEM radio, Gene Ruisch of ICON Ag and Turf, Julie Holck of Le Mars Insurance Company and Val Owens of Hospice of Siouxland. Brenda Gengler of Northwest Iowa Credit Union and Martha Toben of the Good Samaritan Society were also recognized. Also honored as “Employees of the Year” included Amy Lempares from The Toy Depot and Jack Guenthner from Northwest Bank.
Bosses of the Quarter included Deb Bonnstetter from Floyd Valley Hospital, Sherri Bauman from Cellular Connection, and Joe Sitzmann of Mr. P’s Pizza and Sports Grill.
Le Mars Community Show Choir “Crimson and Black” performed some musical numbers to provide additional entertainment for the evening’s festivities.
