Jim Nickel is First State Bank Southwest community pride honoree

First State Bank Southwest recognized Jim Nickel on Tuesday night as its 2025 Community Pride Award recipient.

Mark Vis, president and CEO of First State Bank Southwest, detailed Nickel's involvement in the community over the years. Nickel previously served as chair, board member and treasurer of the Worthington Regional Economic Development Corp. and was also a board member of the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. He also served as chairman of Worthington Area Industries and was long involved in the Worthington Hockey Association; he was on the committee to build the current hockey facility.

Nickel served on the Worthington Ag Advisory Board for about 20 years as well as several advisory boards over the years for various insurance companies. He has held a Certified Insurance Counselor degree since 1979. Nickel continues to serve as chair of FORWARD Worthington's Governmental Affairs Committee, and as head of trustees at First Methodist Church and on its Covenant Council.

Nickel grew up on a farm near Reading. He returned to the area in 1983 and bought half of what's now known as Nickel & Associates Insurance Agency.

In receiving the award, Nickel thanked the staff of his family-run business for allowing him the opportunity to volunteer. He also professed his love for Worthington, and encouraged young people to become involved in the community to help keep it moving forward.

A $3,000 gift from First State Bank Southwest designated to a charity of Nickel's choice will go to the Worthington Hockey Association.

Jim Nickel (right) shakes hands with First State Bank Southwest President and CEO Mark Vis.