Holly Community Celebrates Award Winners
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 27, 2023)
Holly, MI – The Holly Community Came together recently for the Holly Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards, presented at the annual dinner held at Holly Vault’s Venue 111.
Business of the Year is Shannon Precision Fasteners, a company that recently expanded in the Holly area, providing jobs and increasing the tax base of the community. They have also been a supporter of Holly Area Chamber events.
The Holly Fire Department was honored with Organization of the Year. Their benefit to the community is always appreciated by those in the area, but this year the department gained extra recognition as they – along with firefighters from over a dozen departments – worked quickly to contain the fire at Arcade Antiques on June 21. The fire destroyed the main building and spread to other businesses including Andy’s Place and Holly Hotel. But the quick action by the first responders spared the rest of the historic downtown from potential destruction.
The Family of the Year Award went to The Klempp Family. Nick Klempp is the Director of Downtown Holly which serves to support the small business community and residents by keeping the commercial district vibrant. He’s also been instrumental in the effort to Save the Holly Depot, an historic train depot that is currently inaccessible because it it is too close to the railroad tracks. Klempp’s wife Jennifer and daughters Trinity and Claudia are also active in the community, volunteering for events such as the Holly Dickens Festival, Holly Days, and the various parades that grace Maple and Saginaw Streets.
The Person of the Year is Angie Lemon who brings smiles and support to the entire community. She is a perpetual volunteer at local events. She’s also the founder of the Holly Van Goghs – a group for people to drop in at the Karl Richter Center on Monday’s from 11am to 1pm to make art or work on craft projects. She also has a group for older adults to connect and support each other called New Generation of Holly Seniors which meets each Thursday at the center.
The Holly Area Chamber is “the one place where business and community come together.” Learn more at https://hollyareachamber.com.