COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The 72nd Annual Coldwater Chamber of Commerce Community Awards dinner celebrated the “best of Coldwater and Branch County” last night, before a packed house at the Dearth Community Center.
The evening, recognized nine individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the community and was highlighted by the Citizen of the Year Award presented to Kathy Bappert, she was recognized for her extensive service and commitment to improving the lives of local residents.
Other award winners included:
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- Chamber Legacy Award: Marilyn Ostrander was honored for her lifelong dedication to the community. Ostrander , a long-time realtor and volunteer, previously co-chaired the Quincy Chamber and was named Citizen of the Year in 2016.
- Business of the Year: Hauska Home and Farm received the top business honor for its impact on the local economy and community.
- Volunteer of the Year: Julie Abe was celebrated for her selfless dedication to local causes.
- Chamber Champion: Shamayne Neesley , owner of the Neesley Insurance Group, was honored for her consistent support of Chamber initiatives.
- Young Professional of the Year: Vladimir Jeudy was recognized as a rising leader in the Branch County business community.
- Educator of the Year: Cheryl Covell from the Branch Area Careers Center (BACC) was honored for her excellence in teaching and student development.
- Outstanding Public Servant: Noah Aljabaly from the Coldwater Police Department was recognized for his dedicated service as resource officer at Coldwater High School.
The annual gathering serves as the Chamber’s premier event to “honor exceptional service across Coldwater and Branch County”.
The 2026 awards followed a trend of high community engagement, with Chamber Director Lori Hunt- Bobilya saying they a strong field of nominations for this year’s honorees.
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