CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
NISSWA HONORS ITS STELLAR CITIZENS
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isswa likes to recognize its citizens who go above and beyond to make the area a better place to live, work and play. To that end, every year the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce honors a Nisswa Citizen of the Year. In 2023, that award-winner was Shawn Hansen. Hansen is no stranger to the Nisswa Citizen of the Year program. As Nisswa Chamber of Commerce president from 2012-2019, she spearheaded the search each year for an outstanding citizen, as well as a way to surprise the recipient with the award. She’s also nominated several past winners after stepping away from her chamber role. The tables turned when Hansen found herself on the receiving end of the award in front of more than 100 women at the Gather on 3 Event Center-The Woods in rural Brainerd. Interrupting Hansen, who was speaking at a quarterly meeting of the 100+ Women Who Care Brainerd Lakes, Kalie Jay, Nisswa Chamber executive assistant, announced to the group: “We’re all in the presence of the 2023 Nisswa Citizen of the Year.” Hugs and a standing ovation ensued while a tearing up Hansen asked, “Is it me?” Hansen was honored at the Nisswa Chamber’s annual Membership Dinner & Citizen of the Year Celebration. Hansen recalled Marv Koep, a wellknown area fishing guide, saying the best honor he’d ever received was being named the Nisswa Citizen of the Year and how that’s what she remembers every time she sees him. It was baffling considering all the accolades he’s received, she said. “There’s such amazing people on that list,” she said of past winners. Reflecting on receiving the honor herself, she said: “Dad said, ‘You have to have a purpose in life and never lose sight of the purpose.’” Her family didn’t have a lot of money, but her parents gave their time to endeavors. “Dad said, ‘You can always give your time no matter what life brings,’” Hansen said. Her list of endeavors includes being the executive director of The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes, a food aid organization based in Nisswa, since 2019; an active Nisswa Lions Club member, including chair for the 2025 District Convention for 65 clubs; co-founder of 64 | Nisswa Chamber Guide 2024
Nisswa Citizen of the Year 2023 Shawn Hansen, center, stands with past winners Lee Seipp, left, and Tina Foster, along with Denise Laudenbach, co-founder with Hansen of the 100+ Women Who Care Brainerd Lakes, and Lori Kohorst, The Outreach Program Brainerd Lakes board director.
JASON KOTTKE Agent 218-829-1166
jason@northridgeagency.com 313 NW 3rd Street | Brainerd
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