Business of the Year - February 2014
Grimes Chamber of Commerce - February 2014
Grimes Chamber Annual Awards Dinner
Grimes Chamber & Economic Development hosted its annual dinner and awards presentation on Jan. 30 at Stony Creek Inn in Johnston. More than 180 people attended the event, which highlighted the many accomplishments of the organization, the community of Grimes, and honored several recipients for individual achievements.
The event was titled “Moon Shines Bright in Grimes,” with a Roaring ‘20s theme.
Geraldine “Jerry” Nicklos was recognized as the citizen of the year. She was honored for her volunteerism at organizations such as Grimes Volunteer Support Services and Grimes Food Pantry.
Ben Chadwick, a technology education instructor at Meadows School in the Dallas Center-Grimes district, was named educator of the year. He works with both middle- and high-school-age students and is proactive in STEM initiatives, has worked to develop relationships with businesses, and regularly mentors students participating in individualized learning projects.
Ambassador of the year was Julie Downing, an employee of Grimes Living Magazine. She actively supports chamber-organized events and is chairwoman for the “Experience Grimes: A Tasteful Business Expo” event.
Golden Openings Inc., which specializes in products and services to celebrate events such as grand openings, ribbon cuttings and other galas, was business of the year. Founder and President Kimberly Baeth accepted the award on behalf of the company. Jay Brewer, president of Grimes Volunteer Support Services and the 2014 President of Grimes Chamber & Economic Development, spoke at the ceremony and encouraged attendees to familiarize themselves with GCED member businesses.
Photo caption: Awards were given by the Grimes Chamber Jan. 30 at its annual dinner. Recipients, from left, were: Jerry Nicklos, citizen of the year; Julie Downing, ambassador of the year; Ben Chadwick, educator of the year; and Kimberly Baeth of Golden Openings Inc., business of the year.
