Antwerp’s 2023 Gem of the Year Award

Antwerp Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Gem of the Year awards every summer. This summer the award recognition coincided with ACDC’s revival of Antwerp Days. 

Denise Coleman was named Gem of the Year after all the nominations that were collected were reviewed. Denise was humbled by the selection and so very grateful to all who took the time to nominate her or other deserving Antwerp citizens for this award.

Coleman is an Antwerp native having graduated from AHS in 1985. She is very proud of her three boys: Zac and Blair, Andy and Mackenzie and Jeffrey and McKenna. They have blessed her life even more with the addition of 2 grandbabies: Kaden and Lenni and one on the way.

After high schoolI she moved away from Antwerp for a time, but then came home to raise her family. Denise was a hairdresser for 35 years, then decided to take a position as the secretary at Antwerp Local School, and she stated “and my favorite jobs have been mom and Grammy.”

Six years ago on August 1st, Denise took over the local flower shop, Petals and Vines. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with family and friends (and of course those grandbabes!). “I like to go junking, reading and vacationing at the lake,” she commented.

Denise is a very generous volunteer for the village of Antwerp, being a part of Antwerp Chamber of Commerce, Antwerp Rotary Club, and Antwerp CIC.

“Thank you to those who voted for the gem this year. We have many community members and organizations that deserve this award. It takes a village to have an amazing town like ours. I’m just glad to be a part of it. Thank you,” concluded Coleman.

Denise — you are a true gem! Enjoy your reign as Antwerp’s Gem of the Year.