10/06/2026
We had 4 different people nominated for the Plattsburg Leadership Award & 8 nominations for the John Enderle Helping Hands Award this year. These nominations came from multiple people throughout the community & the Community Courtyard’s board of directors discussed each nomination & voted on the winners. It was incredibly hard to pick! We have some great people in our community who step up & show up when they see a need.
The 2026 Plattsburg Leadership Award went to Lisa Hageman. Lisa is a local business owner who works very hard to not only bring people to Plattsburg but to get community members out with their friends through fun & unique events held frequently at her 4 businesses each year. From spa nights, to pottery painting, princess parties, to hosting private events, & providing live music & seasonal specials at the Backyard for everyone to enjoy - Plattsburg is incredibly lucky to have these options, here LOCALLY. A town doesn’t grow & prosper without tourism & Lisa is constantly coming up with ways to encourage that while still honoring small-town vibes & traditions. Lisa is also involved in other organizations in her limited free time. She is a dreamer & innovator. During her time leading the Community Christmas committee, so many new & fresh ideas were brought to the table. Lisa also shows up & supports other business owners & organizations in town. This is the fourth year she has provided alcohol for our gala & she has done it for other events we’ve hosted at the Courtyard AS WELL AS for other events hosted around town. She doesn’t have to support others - she chooses to. She works hard to encourage other dreamers in town & make their events & ideas a success. Lisa - THANK YOU for choosing Plattsburg & making it a better place to live!
The 2026 John Enderle Helping Hands Award went to Diane Walker. Diane is someone you see around town a lot - either helping people individually or promoting & doing what she can to set up community events for success. She does not commit to ONE organization or even multiple. She just looks for opportunities to volunteer. From hanging pole trees & setting up (& CLEANING UP) kids games on Locust St. for our Community Christmas event, to organizing the annual Table Fair Silent Auction for the Chamber of Commerce - Diane is someone who gets stuff done. Here at the Courtyard she provides chair yoga classes, which is a great & convenient option for community members to stay active. She also teaches & promotes exercise at Club Pulse & you will often see her walking around town. It’s hard to list everything she does because it is often behind the scenes & unnoticed. But, that is exactly what this award is for! To notice & recognize people, like Diane who go out of their way to LOVE Plattsburg & HELP others!! The world needs more people like Diane Walker.
These 2 women are so deserving of these awards. Be sure to congratulate & thank them the next time you see them uptown! Again, it was hard to pick from the people who were nominated. Plattsburg is a beautiful place to live. We are looking forward to this part of the gala next year! Watch for nomination forms in June/July 2027!! 💛
