By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Doug Law believes in the power and influence of education in communities. It certainly has shown simply in his commitment to the education field in Niles for 39 years.

The superintendent of Niles Community School district, who is retiring in June, accepted the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce award Thursday night for Man of the Year, and it was fitting that he recognized graduates of local high schools.

Law asked all Niles, Brandywine, Buchanan and Berrien County high school graduates in attendance at the chamber dinner at Elks Lodge to stand.

Nearly three-fourths of those in attendance were on their feet.

“The connection between education and our business community is very important,” Law said. “You just can’t ignore the role public schools play in our community.”

John Jarpe, superintendent of the Brandywine school district, presented the award.

“I’m personally going to miss him a lot,” Jarpe said. “He’s always tried to do what’s best for kids all the time.”

Law, who has won many other prestigious education awards, said this one was particularly special.

“I’ve won awards in the past, but nothing is more meaningful than getting recognition from your hometown,” he said.

Winning 2009 Woman of the Year was Minnie Warren, president and owner of Mintech Inc., which does assembly for Modineer and several other companies. She formed the business in 2004 and has seen her workforce grow from two members to 20.

A firm believer in second chances, Warren has made it a practice to hire convicted felons. She is also active in the community, serving as a Cass County commissioner, working with the Southwest Michigan Community Action on Aging and investing time in her church.
The Business of the Year award went to one that has nearly 90 years of tradition in Niles – East Main Gardens Florist and Greenhouse. The family business is still in the same location it was in when it started in 1921 but now with 8,000 square-feet under its roof. The business is recognized in the top 3 percent of florists in the nation.

Owner Mike Peters, who is the third in line behind his father and grandfather in ownership, accepted the award.

“My parents, grandparents and grandkids all really appreciate this, so thank you very much,” Peters said.

Taking home the Lifetime Achievement award was French Paper Co. The company does business with several Fortune 500 companies and has been a leader in eco-friendly business practices.

The award for Industry of the Year was presented to Delta Machining Inc., which was formed in 1978 in a 2,000 square-foot building. Now the company uses an 80,000 square-foot building for its manufacturing and has about 70 employees.

“I’ve had to work hard for what we have here,” owner Wannis Parris said. “I’m fortunate to have great workers around me.”

Service Club of the Year went to the Kiwanis Club of Niles with the club president Jon Martin accepting the award.

“We don’t do what we do for recognition but we appreciate it,” he said.

Linda Lenox of Transworld Systems was awarded Ambassador of the Year, while John Klimek, owner of Klimek Enterprises, won a Past Director award.

Bob Cowan and Don White, who both recently passed away, were also honored with Past Director awards. Cowan was a chamber ambassador for three years and was vice president of the board, while White served in every position on the board and was chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors in 2008.