Nearly a dozen young professionals in Atlantic were recognized Wednesday for their achievements and commitment to excellence in their profession and/or community. The 11 individuals received their awards during the Inaugural Young Professionals of Atlantic (YPA) Dessert and Luncheon held at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club.

YPA logo

The YPA is comprised of a group of persons ages 21-to-40, whose mission is to “Connect, engage, and attract young leaders into the Atlantic Community while promoting Atlantic and the surrounding area.” The organization has been established in Atlantic for several years.

YPA Vice-President Lucas Mosier said the young professionals who received awards Wednesday had been nominated in 11 different categories including: education, food/drink/hospitality, health, non-profit/government, professional services, retail/sales, technology, skilled labor/trade, Agriculture, and start-up entrepreneurs.

YPA Award Winners

The winners in their respective categories include: Media-Bennett Blake-Meredith Communications; Education: Nick Ross, Teacher and Coach at Atlantic High School; Food/Drink/and Hospitality-Jacob Weitzel-Owner of Weitzel’s Restaurant; Health-Brad Peerbolte-Peerbolte Chiropractic; Government-John Lund-Assistant to the Atlantic City Administrator; Professional Services-Tom Welchans-Certified CPA, with Gronewald-Bell-Kyhnn & Company; Retail-Hans Krengel, Howards Clothing; Technology-Matthew Klein, Communications Systems and IT Coordinator for AMU; Skilled Labor-Andy Elings, Camblin Mechanical; Agriculture-Ryan Houser, Lindeman Tractor; and Entrepreneur-Brandi Eckels-Owner of, Lou Lou’s Boutique.
And the Young Professional Choice Workplace Award was presented to the Cambridge Law Firm. The award recognizes a company  that effectively attracts, retains and develops young professionals.