A local baker has contributed more than just mouth-watering pastries to Black Diamond residents over the last 30 years.
George Nielsen, owner of the Black Diamond Bakery, spent most of those years also giving back to the community.
The Town of Black Diamond recognized those efforts, naming him Volunteer of the Year at its March 2 council meeting.
“It feels great being selected the top volunteer of the year,” said Nielsen last week. “That’s a huge honour.
“I really enjoy being around the people on the different boards and getting involved and talking about things and getting to know people.”
The 67-year-old took over ownership of the bakery in December 1985. He has worn many hats since moving to Black Diamond.
Nielsen has been a board member for the downtown Main Street program, an initiative that implemented downtown’s popular boomtown motif, vice-president of the Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce, of which he is still a member, and volunteers with the Foothills Lions Club.
Nielsen previously held the position of “tail twister” for the Lions Club, meaning he was responsible for coming up with fun ideas for club meetings.
Nielson is currently the Black Diamond representative for the Community Futures Highwood, a position he’s held for 16 years.
In fact, it was Community Futures Highwood general manager John Lockhart who nominated him for Volunteer of the Year title.
“We felt we couldn’t let it go when this opportunity came up in Black Diamond for us to submit an application on his behalf to have him recognized for all he’s done,” he said. “People who represent jurisdictions sometimes say very little. George always made sure we knew the needs of Black Diamond, that fit into our program, were met.”
Lockhart said Nielsen carried the banner of the town very well during those years.
“He made sure everybody in the room knew the economic situation in the town, any new projects or growth that was happening,” he said. “He was addressing where there were needs so we could establish objectives to find ways to help the community when there was those opportunities.”
Nielsen served as the manager of finance committee for nine years, dealing with financial lending reports.
“When I was away as signing officer, whenever staff needed cheques signed, even though George may have been baking since two in the morning he would have no problem coming down to sign those cheques for staff or clients,” said Lockhart. “He always took his role very seriously.”
The government recently implemented a nine-year maximum for members, so Nielson will retire from his position at the end of the month.
Nielsen has also taken part in community events like the Black Diamond Parade, of which his business float has won first, second and third place ribbons, and Light Up Black Diamond, where he hands out Christmas cookies to residents and visitors.
“I love Black Diamond,” said Nielson. “My customers just make my day every day. The staff I have really contribute to the enjoyment.”
Black Diamond Mayor Sharlene Brown said three nominations were submitted for the title of Volunteer of the Year, and that the decision wasn’t an easy one.
“Every year council goes through the process of establishing the volunteer of the year,” he said. “This year we had the opportunity to have three that have come forward from community members. The other submissions were also fantastic.”
Brown agrees that Nielsen is deserving of the title.
“He has an active business and he’s a great contributor to the community, supporting community events in any way he can from making chili to donating cookies,” she said. “Our volunteers are really important in community.”
