PETOSKEY — Snowy conditions didn’t stop the Petoskey community from celebrating outstanding businesses and individuals at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Champions.
The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.
“Celebration of Champions is a night dedicated to honoring the incredible people and organizations that make Petoskey such a remarkable place to live, work and thrive,” said Nikki Devitt, president and CEO of the Petoskey chamber. “Tonight is a highlight of the year for the chamber team. It’s a chance for all of us to come together — through sleet, through rain, through snow, through all kinds of things — to enjoy each other’s company and, more importantly, celebrate the outstanding accomplishments that elevate our community.”
2024 Chairman’s Award winner The Manna Food Project is pictured with executive director Carrie Klinglesmith and team at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Champions on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.
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The 2024 award winners include:
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The Manna Food Project won the Chairman’s Award, which recognizes long-standing accomplishments, significant investment and extraordinary efforts that have shaped the community. Stephanie Baldwin, the chamber’s board chair, presented Manna with the award.
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Jennifer Wixson, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator at North Central Michigan College, was named the Athena Award recipient. The Athena Award is given each year to celebrate the potential of all women as leaders of the community. The award was presented by Dave Kring of Dave Kring Chevrolet and last year’s Athena recipient Val Meyerson.
2024 Athena Award winner Jennifer Wixson (center) is pictured with 2023 Athena Award winner Val Meyerson and sponsor and presenter Dave Kring at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Champions on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.
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Eric Hemenway, Department of Repatriation, Archives and Records Director of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, received the Marty Van De Car Inclusivity Award. This award recognizes an individual or organization in the community that breaks down barriers and fosters change to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all. David (DJ) Jones, executive director at the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, presented Hemenway with the award.
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The Service Effect Award was presented to the Ross Restaurant Group. This award is given each year to an individual, business or organization demonstrating superior, unique and unequaled service to the public. The Ross Restaurant Group operates NOMAD, Maple + Batter and Brandy’s Harbortown. Drew Smith of the Perry Hotel presented the award.
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2024 Ron Foeller Community Enthusiast Award winner DJ Jones (left) is pictured with presenter and sponsor Bill McMaster at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Champions on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.
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David (DJ) Jones was named this year’s Ron Foeller Community Enthusiast Award winner. The award honors someone who is a cheerleader, an ambassador and a supporter of the community. It was presented by Bill McMaster of Bill’s Farm Market.
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The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to the SludgeHammer Group. This award honors an entrepreneur who is helping to enhance the local community through business growth. The award was presented by Bill Marshall of Huntington Bank and Jeff Neill of OsborneKlein Ameriprise Financial.
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Klepadlo Winnell Nuorala P.C. (KWN) received the Thriving Petoskey Award. This award is given to an individual, business or organization that promotes positive business practices that enhance the area’s employees, community organizations and the environment. It was presented by Melanie Meengs of Bearcub Outfitters.
The 2024 Thriving Petoskey Award winner Klepadlo Winnell Nuorala P.C.is pictured at the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Champions on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts.
More: Citizens National Bank opens for business at former News-Review building
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The Chamber Ambassador of the Year award was given to Andrea Koch, assistant director of the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan. This award is for a member of the Ambassador Committee who enthusiastically promotes the chamber and its programs. It was presented by Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Lisa Hoyt.
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The winner of the Project of the Year award was Citizens National Bank, which is now located in the former Petoskey News-Review building. The award recognizes a project that exemplifies excellence in beautification, innovative design and a meaningful investment in the character of the community. The runner-up was Elder Piper Beer and Cider. The award was presented by Keith Reeb of Preston Feather Building Centers.
For more information, visit petoskeychamber.com.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey chamber honors community leaders at 2024 Celebration of Champions