2024 "4 Under 40" Award


Do you know or work with a young professional who excels in the workplace, demonstrates leadership and serves within the communities of Putnam County?  We encourage you to recognize them with a nomination to the Putnam County “4 Under 40” awards program. 


These award nominees consistently demonstrate a commitment to their profession and they are dedicated to building and fostering relationships, leadership activities, and ongoing professional development.  These individuals demonstrate philanthropic involvement in Putnam County.


Nominee must be at least 18 and under 40 as of 12/31/2024 and reside in Putnam County.  If the person you nominate is selected, you will be invited to present the award to them at the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Appreciation Dinner on May 6, 2025.


Nominations open until March 14, 2025

Previous 4 Under 40 Winners

“4 Under 40” Award Winners


2024 (May)

  • Kristen Schnipke
  • Kristen Mullins
  • Jenna Maag
  • April Fischer


2023 (May)

  • Stacey Benten
  • Emily Clark
  • David Burgei
  • Zachary Buckland


2022 (May)

  • Connor Niese 
  • Dane Jesko
  • Pete Macke
  • Scott Knueven


2021 (May)

  • Audrey Beining
  • Jason Ball
  • Terry Stechschulte 
  • Dr. Tony Morman


2020 (May)

  • Amber Mangas
  • Greg Beckman
  • Gillian Stechschulte
  • Kelly Wolfe


2019(February) 

  • Kyle Stechschulte - KMLS Farms
  • Alivia Croy - Signature Look Boutique
  • Michelle Brough - Interim Healthcare
  • Emily Recker - Putnam County Homecare & Hospice


2018(February)

  • Ashley Baumgartner - Trinity United Methodist Preschool
  • Brianna Cox - The Meadows
  • Kristen Gerding-Heffner - The Dance Boutique and Performing Arts Center
  • Allison Siefker - Teacher @ S.P.P.S.


2017(February)

  • Bonnie Schroeder - Fort Jennings State Bank
  • Becky Yarnell - Guys and Dolls Hair Co
  • Staci Schroeder - Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
  • Eric Siefker - Pro-Tec Coating Company


2016(February)

  • Nate Huber - Phantasm
  • Todd Schroeder - Prosecutor’s Office Putnam County
  • Adam Cupp - UIS Insurance and Investments
  • Brendon Hovest - Klass Family Medicine