Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — The theme for the evening was “Community Is Everything,” and Mike Kissinger, dubbed the poster child of the community, fit that bill as he was named the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber Person of the Year at the chamber’s award banquet Monday, March 11.

The 2023 North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce award winners are shown above. From left are Gwen Fuchs, manager Northwest Bank, Large Business Of The Year; Peni Lippert and Chris Trowbridge, Maverick Promotions, Small Business Of The Year; Ryan Coverstone, Volunteer of The Year; Mike Kissinger, Person Of The Year.

Kissinger, who was crowned the 1984 King of the Tournaments of Knights, was awarded the chamber’s person of the year in 2011, and was a recipient of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s Heart of Gold Award in 2015.

“He’s a genuine class act. Selfless and humble” said Emily Shipley, chamber president.

She noted his name appears on the ballot year after year. “We’ve consistently not awarded this to Mike because of his angst toward receiving accolades. This year, however, I called LuAnn (his wife) and said, ‘LuAnn, he won again, he’s going to hate it, but I have to do it.” To which she replied, “Let’s do it.”

She stated Kissinger has been an Upward basketball coach and referee, youth baseball league coach and Lakeland Youth Center basketball referee. He started the community center garage sale and Kid Business Fair along with several adult sports leagues at the center. He plays in an adult volleyball league and chaperones the pickleballers. He volunteers at every community center event and is Shipley’s personal “go to” when an issue arises because he knows “everything about everything here.”

He helps measure off vendor spaces for Dixie Day and most recently partnered with an anonymous door to assist his son Tyler and wife, Tori Kissinger, of Hartley Builders to hang the lights on Pilcher’s tree for the tree lighting festivities.

Gwen Fuchs, board member, assisted in announcing the award. She stated there is something or somebody in a town, a person, who makes it for you. She stated Kissinger was that person. He was the first person who made her realize the town was special, which made her want to be here and stay here.

“That person is truly amazing and special. He’s selfless, giving back to other people … it doesn’t matter if he knows you. In instances where you need somebody, it’s like he’s known you for years … I can’t think of anyone better as a person of the year.”

Mike Kissinger, center, was named the 2023 North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year. He is shown with Gwen Fuchs, left, and Emily Shipley, right.

Kissinger was not the only award recipient Monday evening.

Ryan Coverstone of Socks Marina Barbee, Webster and Boat Rentals, was named the volunteer of the year. This award, voted on by fellow board members, is presented to a board director for his hard work and dedication to enacting the mission.

Shipley noted Coverstone has a long history in the community. “He started attending chamber meetings a few years ago and joined the board shortly after. Always quick witted with a one-liner or smart comeback, he keeps us chucking in what could be boring meetings.

“His willingness to serve and lead projects and events continues to grow. We appreciate him greatly and look forward to continuing to watch how things progress for him professionally and as a volunteer.”

There were nine businesses nominated for the Small Business of the Year. This year’s winner was Maverick Promotions, Chris Trowridge and Peni Lippert. The business was founded in 2002 as a quintessential small business in a garage adjacent to the owners’ home. In 2017, the business moved to Main Street with their reputation of customer loyalty and exemplary products making them “in demand” both locally and nationally.

The business has been a “silent partner” to the growth of North Webster as an advocate for community improvement. Trowbridge has given time and efforts to picking up trash, weed eating and picking up rubbish. An investment of time is nothing compared to the generous financial contributions given through donations or sponsorships.

The nominations for the business read “gives back to the community in many different ways,” and “This business just never fails to step up and help regardless of his own business obligations. The community is better with them.”

Emily Shipley presented Ryan Coverstone the Volunteer Of The Year Award.

The Large Business Award went to Fuchs, branch manager of the North Webster Northwest Bank. It was noted the 10 employees work together as a team, not only for customers, but for the greater good of the community. “When the chamber hosts an event, at least four employees show up. They usually show up in a big way — matching shirts, full of energy, creative ideas,” said Shipley.

Nominators noted “When you go in, you know you’ll be greeted and treated with respect and service” and “Northwest Bank has been a reliable bank in our community.”

Shelly Martindale was recognized as the winner of this years Cover Contest. Her photo of the Dixie Boat was chosen to be on the cover of the 2024 chamber guide. Additionally Jaci Worrell was recognized as the chamber’s winner of a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded in April.

There were 106 people attending the yearly event, which was held in the Culver Wellness Center in the North Webster Community Center.

In addition to the annual awards, the evening was a chamber board meeting. The 2024 board of directors were introduced, recognition given to outgoing board members Sue Ward and Paula Miller, there was acknowledgment of new chamber members and members with milestone memberships, recognition given to the 2023 members of the month and reports from various committees.

Additionally guests had the opportunity to place silent bids on 32 items ranging from gift certificates/gift cards, gift baskets, hair products, jewelry, T-shirts and swag bags. The meal for the evening was provided by Roll-N-Smoke, Chubbies, the River and The Owl’s Nest.

A brief video highlighting the night’s theme was shown featuring Lisa Strombeck, Haley Angel, Lee Snider, Angie Crabill, Trowbridge, Coverstone, Bret Hite, Terrill Brown, Randy Gregory, Julia Burns, Megan Likens, Jeanene Walls, Maddy McClintic, Haley Snep and members of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory and community center co-ed volleyball team. The video can be seen on the chamber’s website, northwebster.com.