Nipp, Young receive awards

COEUR d'ALENE -- A pair of longtime community leaders took front and center stage Tuesday at the Coeur d'Alene Chamber Upbeat Breakfast.

Charlie Nipp of Lake City Development Corp. and John Young of Polin and Young Construction were awarded by the Leadership Coeur d'Alene Committee for their involvement in, enthusiasm for and tireless support of Lake City.

"It's our way of thanking them for all their efforts," said Toni Sayler, leadership coordinator. "They're both very deserving of the recognition."

Nipp was given the Friends of Leadership award, presented to the person who supports the leadership program by donating their time and facilities on a continual basis -- something Nipp has done for around 20 years.

"He's always been one of our best volunteers because he has such passion for the community," Sayler said. "It went to a great man."

"The award was a wonderful surprise for me," Nipp said. "I want to thank the friends of the leadership program. They're playing an important role in the community."

The Leadership Coeur d'Alene Committee identifies citizens who have demonstrated the potential for leadership to help create an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas with other people to motivate them to pursue guiding roles in the community. Their graduate program was designed to provide those leaders specific training in leadership skills.

Young received the Bob McNabb Award, which is given to a Leadership graduate who has shown volunteerism, involvement and enthusiasm to the community.

Both winners were chosen by the program's 17-member committee for the time they dedicated over the year.

"I was absolutely overwhelmed by the award," Young said. "It's a tremendous honor to be a part of such a community."

"John's a person who exemplifies volunteerism and he's been able to leverage all that time to help guide Coeur d'Alene," said Mike Ward, committee vice chairman.