MP Chamber honors small businesses

MT. PLEASANT — Small business are celebrated throughout the country during small business week which takes place May 1-7.

Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce honored five business from Mt. Pleasant this week with nominations for the Small Business of the Year award including: Addington Place, The Coffee Depot, The REC Center, the Children’s Dental Center, and the winners Brad Holtkamp Automotive.

According to Chamber Executive Vice President Kristi Perry 77% of small businesses owners currently feel optimistic of their business futures.

Each of the nominees were given their own specific awards prior to Holtkamp Automotive being announced as the winner.

Addington place was presented the “Greatest Supporters of Fellow Finalists” award for being present at every ribbon cutting.

The “Cleanist Ribbon Cutting” award was presented to Children’s Dental.

The Coffee Depot was honored with the “Best Refreshments” award in reference to their variety of delicious brownies at their ribbon cutting.

The REC center was given the “Best Photo” award due to some very willing participants hopping up onto exercise bikes for the photos.

Of course, Brad Holtkamp Automotive also had to receive an award to avoid suspicion.

They were awarded “Cutest Boss” award in honor of their grandson Luca.

Small businesses are important to Mt. Pleasant.

To encourage all the small businesses present at the award luncheon Lomont Molding President Jason Bender offered words of encouragement to this fellow business men and women.

“Starting small doesn’t mean staying small,” Bender said referencing his business that has now grown to over 300 employees.

After additional speakers commenting on the joys and hardships of small businesses the Chamber opted to play a video which highlighted each small business nominee.

The room was eerily quiet as Perry informed them to pay attention to the end of the video where the Small Business of the Year would be revealed.

Each business was given screen time showing them at work and speaking of their hopes and dreams.

As the announcement of the winner appeared the room exploded in clapping.

“We were shocked,” Mary Holtkamp said. “We thought everyone was so deserving.”

When Brad Holtkamp addressed the crowd with a short acceptance speech he told everyone that on the way over his dad had asked him what Brad’s chances were of winning.

He told his dad very practically that it was a 20% chance as both he and Mary felt that all the businesses were worthy.

“This community has good leadership,” Brad Holtkamp said. “And they need volunteers.”

That is the heartbeat behind Brad Holtkamp Automotive.

They want to support the community that continues to support them because they think of themselves as much more than just automotive technicians, but as a family that cares about all the other families in Mt. Pleasant.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com