What Happened: Since 1957, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes community leaders at their Annual Awards Banquet. Every year, the event honors individuals who have given their time, talents, and resources to better the Mt. Pleasant and surrounding community.
On Saturday, March 1, the Chamber hosted their 68
th Annual Awards, including awards within the categories of: Outstanding Citizen of the Year; Shirley M. Decker Eagle Awards; an Innovation Award; Economic Impact Award; Young Professionals Network Young Professional of the Year Award; Large Business Award; Small Business Award; Legacy Award; Ambassador of the Year Award; Outgoing Board Chair; and the Rising Star Community Impact Award.
![]()
Courtesy Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of CommerceRuth Helwig was announced as 2024’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year from the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award Winner: Ruth Helwig was announced as 2024’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year after dedicating years of community service through leadership roles in numerous local organizations. She currently serves as president of both the Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant and the Chippewa River District Library Board of Trustees, while also contributing to initiatives such as the Red Dress Project, the League of Women Voters, and the Isabella County Historical Society. Her extensive volunteer work spans education, advocacy, historical preservation, and social causes, reflecting a long-standing commitment to community engagement.
What They’re Saying About Helwig: “She will be surprised to see that others think what she does is unusual,” shares prior Outstanding Citizen of the Year awardee Eileen Jennings. “She has no idea of the impact she has on the Mt. Pleasant area. But she is always there—everywhere there is a need. She may be quiet, humble, and unassuming, but she is a GIANT in the Mt. Pleasant area volunteer community. She deserves to be recognized as Citizen of the Year.”
![]()
Courtesy Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of CommerceThe Small Business Award was presented to The Barn Door Bar and Restaurant.
Additional 2024 Mt. Pleasant Chamber Annual Award Recipients: The following awardees were also celebrated for their community contributions:
- Innovation Award – Montrose Environmental
- Economic Impact Award – J. Ranck Electric
- Large Business Award – Members First Community Credit Union
- Small Business Award – The Barn Door Bar and Restaurant
- Legacy Award – Central Concrete Products
- Ambassador of the Year Award – Paul Scoby
- Charles E. Anthony Award (Outstanding Chamber Board Member) – Bart Blystone
- Outgoing Board Chair – Jennifer Marar
- Rising Star Community Impact Award – Brittany Smith
- Young Professionals Network's Young Professional of the Year Award – Lizzie Dilg
![]()
Courtesy Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of CommerceMatt Showalter accepted his Eagle Award from Doug Ouelletete with Mercantile Bank, as the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s 2024 Shirley M. Decker Eagle Award recipient.
Who Were Recipients of the Shirley M. Decker Eagle Awards: Established in 1990, this award category honors extraordinary volunteer efforts of several area service clubs and organizations. Nominated by leaders of their organization, each recipient has “soared” above and beyond supporting their organization and the community. Last year, the award was renamed in honor of the late Shirley M. Decker, who was an instrumental member of the community and the Chamber for many years.
- Art Reach of Mid Michigan – Delphine Rossignol
- Community Compassion Network (CCN) – Roger Brookens
- Community Cancer Services of Isabella County – Suzanne Courser
- Habitat for Humanity of Isabella County – Randy Ball
- Life Choices of Central Michigan – Kara Andrews
- McLaren Central Michigan Volunteer Services – Vicki Tuma
- Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation – Matt Showalter
- Mt. Pleasant Jaycees – Brittany Milan
- Mt. Pleasant Michigan Kiwanis Club – Joseph Sowmick
- Mt. Pleasant Michigan Lions Club – Mark E. Schofield
- Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club – Jennifer Verleger
- Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant – Andrea Lirones
- William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center – Corey Bourland
- The Care Store – Gloria Stuart
- Zonta Club of Mount Pleasant – Jennifer DeHaemers
What’s Next: To discover future events and programs with the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce,
visit them online.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.