Nominations were given and winners selected in the first-ever awards ceremony hosted by the
Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce recently.
The event, held for the first time since the chamber was opened in 2010, found six awards being handed out following nominations by fellow chamber members.
"Members were asked to submit their nominations for each category with an explanation of why they deserved the award. A selection committee then voted on the nominees" said Elizabeth Peterson, director of the GINCC. "I think for a business to be nominated by those in their community, who they work side-by-side with, is an honor and carries a special distinction. It's important for businesses to know the community around them supports and recognizes their hard work and dedication."
This year, the chamber handed out awards for business, small business, business person and volunteer of the year as well as a president's choice award and chamber member of the year.
Earning distinction as business of the year was
Fox Negaunee, while
Midtown Bakery was given the small business of the year award. Business person of the year was awarded to
Globe Printing's Kurt Gronvall, while Paul Bonetti was named volunteer of the year.
The president's choice was an awarded given to
Wilderness Sports this year, while Michelle LaMere of the Country Village was given chamber member of the year honors.
"It was fun, exciting and it really felt like we were setting the bar for what will be an important tradition in the chamber and the community," Peterson said of the awards event.
The awards are expected to become an annual event for the GINCC.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Elizabeth Peterson, Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce
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