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Long Lake Mayor Tim Hultmann. Submitted photo.
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By Casey Merkwan
Assistant Editor
Long Lake Mayor Tim Hultmann has been selected as this year's Long Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's Person of the Year, and for him, it was a complete surprise.
"You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was really surprised," he said. "The Chamber usually selects a L.L. Chamber member or business owner."
Chamber President Sutton McGraw said there were a number of reasons why Hultmann was selected, including his service to the community, his advocacy for small businesses and his work in city government.
"He is a dedicated husband, father, community leader and just a wonderful person. He's always smiling, has a gentle demeanor, and wonderful energy," McGraw said.
Hultmann has lived in Long Lake for more than 35 years and has been serving the community in city government for more thana decade. Hultmann was on the Long Lake City Council from 2000-06, the Long Lake Planning Commission from 2001-10 and has held the mayor position since 2011.
Orono schools led Hultmann and his family to choose Long Lake as their home. They had previously lived in Montevideo.
"My wife Patricia was a school teacher and when we moved to Long Lake, school was No. 1 in her mind. Orono Schools had a very good reputation. My sons Tim J. and Michael are Orono grads. Our two grandsons are enrolled at Orono," he said.
Hultmann was involved in his sons' education, as he was a member of the Orono Community Education Board from 1984-90. He also coached basketball, baseball and soccer, as well as served as the vice president of the Orono Basketball and Softball associations from 1984-85, and served as the secretary for the Orono Basketball Association from 1988-89.
In addition, Hultmann was an Orono Reserve Police Officer for more than six years and was the Vice President of Trinity Luthern Church Council from 1985-88, and continues to be an active member of the church today.
It was the Highway 12 bypass that got Hultmann involved with city government.
"The fact that what was predicted to be a four-year highway project turned into an eight-year project. We lost businesses and the economic down turn has made it hard to entice destination businesses to town," Hultmann said.
He said Long Lake lost 54 single and multiple family housing units due to the Highway 12 bypass.
"When we moved to Long Lake in 1978, it had a similar feeling as the community of Dawson, Minn. Small town America ... lots of history and generations of families remaining in the area," Hultmann said. "We are presently trying to restore some new housing units in Long Lake."
When Hultmann's not sitting at the helm of the City Council, he works part-time as a consultant. Hultmann worked 20-plus years in the construction industry and 19 years in HVAC sales and service. He also enjoys deer hunting, wood carving and spending time with his two grandsons.
A ceremony recognizing Hultmann will be held Saturday, March 15, at Burl Oaks Golf Club, at 5400 North Arm Drive in Minnetrista.
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Person of the Year 2014
March 15, 6pm
Burl Oaks Golf Club, 5400 North Arm Drive, Minnestrista
The Long Lake AREA Chamber congratulates Mayor Tim Hultmann, recipient of the chamber’s Person of the Year Award for 2014. Mayor Hultmann is being recognized for his leadership, accountability, transparency, dedication and service to the community.
Join us on March 15 to celebrate Mayor Hultmann’s work in the community. The schedule for the evening is as follows:
6:00pm- Doors Open
6:30pm- Cocktails/Silent Auction
7:00pm- Dinner and presentation
8:30pm- Announcement of Silent Auction & Raffle
8:30pm-? Dice Games
Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Lake Community Bank. Dress is Casual Attire.
Proceeds from the evening will go toward the Orono High School Scholarship Fund.
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