Tapestry announces 2020 recipient of Linda L. Ruffolo dedication award

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Fort Wayne business leader Debra Niezer will be honored at Tapestry on Friday, April 24, as the recipient of the 2020 Linda L. Ruffolo Dedication Award.

Niezer is a business leader who cares deeply about supporting our community. A Fort Wayne native, she has given back to the community for over 40 years by volunteering her time and talents. She is genuine in her quest to make a difference through her board work with the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne as well as service to the University of St. Francis, Bishop Dwenger High School, Tower Bank, Kappa Kappa Kappa sorority, and Erin’s House.

Niezer worked in banking for 13 years, both in Fort Wayne and LaPorte, Indiana, managing trust departments and employee benefits. She is now the chief operating officer for her family’s business, AALCO Distributing Company. She and her brother Greg Dahm are proud to be the third generation to carry on the business, which has been in operation since 1949. She is also excited to welcome the fourth generation of family to carry on the tradition as the area's leading wholesale beer distributor.

Barney, Niezer’s husband of 44 years, also shares her love of giving back to the community. The couple has two married daughters, Laura and Katie, and four grandchildren, Luke, Jude, Grace, and Bernie, all living in Fort Wayne. She enjoys traveling, golf, babysitting, and spending time at Lake Wawasee with family. Her travels include Costa Rica, Maui, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and soon-to-be Alaska.

She lives a balanced life of family, faith, leadership, compassion, positive attitude, community service, and career that make her a valued member of our community. As a 2011 “Pink Power Player” in the Vera Bradley Classic, she represented an extraordinary survivor, making a difference in breast cancer awareness. Through her years of service and leadership, she has touched the lives of many and looks forward to many more times spent with family and friends. 

Tapestry will honor Niezer with the Linda L. Ruffolo Dedication Award at this year’s celebration on Friday, April 24, as an inspiration to women of all ages for her dedication to our community, her professionalism, and her genuine commitment to her family and friends.

For more information on the award or Tapestry, contact Kim Boyce, Tapestry project manager, at [email protected].

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