And the winner is....

36th Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

Last Thursday was the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce’s 36^th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at Clark Lake Golf Course, sponsored by our Board of Directors.  That you to our contributors; Cori B Photography and Mid-Michigan DJ’s. Also, thanks to Clark Lake Golf Course for such a great meal, we heard nothing but good reviews. 

What a great night with an amazing group of people.  The whole evening was filled with laughter, hugs, tears of joy, applause and even standing ovations.  The people that lead our Irish Hills business community are “good people”.  That is stealing words from Senator Mike Shirkey’s closing words and our Citizen of the Year, Mark Berry.  You “Gotta Have Good People”, and we sure do.  The Irish Hills business community is made up of a group of people that truly care about each other and their community.  The Chamber of Commerce is an organization that not only promotes them and strengthens our business community, but is a place where they can network with each other; sharing ideas, support, and common goals.  The Awards Dinner was an evening about honoring those members who have stood out with their efforts to strengthen our business community and the quality of life in the Irish Hills, whether it is longevity, giving back, curb appeal or economic impact. 

We started the evening off by accepting Mitchell Ramsey of Irish Hills Realty, Jan Witte of Jan’s Dance Connection, Brad Denning of Village Barber Shop and Annette Dupuie of Sacred Touch Massage Therapy to a 3 year term on the Board of Directors. Board President, Todd Wanty presented his President’s Award to Michelle Reed of Walton Reed Wealth Management Partners.  The Ambassador Award, presented by chairperson Morgan Graves of Brooklyn Eye Center went to Darlene Heller of Devils Lake View Living.  Quite a few anniversary awards were handed out, with some of the highest honors going to Brooklyn Party Shop—50 years, Walton Insurance Group—65 years, Brooklyn Products Int’l--65 years, The Beach Bar—70 years, Morris W. Smith Insurance Agency—70 years, Clarklake Yacht Club—85 years, Brooklyn American Legion Post #315—95 years and The Exponent—135 years. 

Spruce Awards were given to TED Ranch Campground, Columbia Township, Boot Jack Tavern, Walker Tavern Historic Site, Columbia School District, Rob’s Rental, Harold’s Place and Village of Brooklyn DPW.  Our Emerald Award—Gem of the Community was presented to Manitou Beach Village.  The Heart of the Community Award was presented to Misty Bliven, owner of Patrone’s Day Spa & Salon.  Business of the Year for 2016 is Irish Hills Collision and the 2016 Citizens of the Year are Mark & Cheryl Berry of Mid-America Machining. 

One of my favorite quotes of the evening was from Jeff Updike of Irish Hills Collision, “You just simply work hard every day, and you all know what I mean.  It is truly an honor to be recognized for it.”

Please remember how important it is to support our local businesses, as they are who help make our community what it is today, supporting and strengthening the Irish Hills we have all come to love.