Cheboygan chamber honors community leaders, businesses
CHEBOYGAN — A celebration of leadership, generosity and camaraderie brought the Cheboygan community together to recognize area businesses, leaders and volunteers at the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards dinner on Jan. 18.
Graduates of the 2023 Leadership Cheboygan class were also celebrated at the event. The program, according to Chamber Ambassador Nicole Drake, a 2022 Leadership Cheboygan graduate, is designed to identify emerging leaders in Cheboygan who are likely to succeed in future civic leadership roles.
The 2023 graduates include Dwayne LaPointe, Samantha Ostwald, Sarah Battice, Ashley Steiner, Nichole LeBlance, Desiree Dowling, Mary Dowling, Lindsey Vork, Liz Warner, Michael Turisk and Carole Yeck. Sarah Battice was named the Leadership Cheboygan Student of the Year.
Through the program, students gain an understanding of the various sectors of the community, its needs, available resources and potential future challenges the community may face. The Class of 2023 coordinated a community service project to benefit the Cheboygan Children’s Trail with funds raised from the Duck Dash, a rubber duck race held along the Cheboygan River in August. The class raised $8,000 through the event and presented the proceeds to Children’s Trail advocates Connie and Dale Rieger during the awards ceremony.
Awards were distributed in nine categories that honored Cheboygan students, educators, residents, volunteers, leaders and businesses. Nominations are submitted by Cheboygan community members to recognize those who make the community better through their business, profession, service and spirit.
Organization of the Year was awarded to the Cheboygan County Community Foundation. The foundation has granted over $370,000 to community nonprofits who promote economic development, recreation, education and tourism.
Educator of the Year was awarded to East Elementary School teacher, Hope Diamond. She has taught in Cheboygan for over 20 years and is respected for her willingness to volunteer her time to provide resources and aid to students and parents.
The Debbie Mesler Award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond in their volunteerism to the Cheboygan community and chamber of commerce events. Linda Rogers received this year’s award, recognized for her efforts with the City of Cheboygan Planning Commission, Cheboygan Chamber Ambassadors, Cheboygan County Planning Commission and the Cheboygan and Emmet Counties Rosie the Riveter Association.
Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you
The Frances and Gordon Spies Community Image Award, which honors a business, organization or individual that contributes to the growth of the community by demonstrating a passion for improving the community’s image, was presented to Dale and Connie Rieger. The two have been instrumental in designing and providing programing for the Children’s Trail, among other outdoor centered community improvements.
Main Street Automotive and the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union were both awarded the Business of the Year recognition for their commitment to the Cheboygan community.
Business Person of the Year, which highlights those who exemplify excellence in their field and leadership through their hard work, integrity and dedication to Cheboygan, was awarded to Roger Kopernik of Exit Realty.
Cheboygan Coffee Roasters, nominated as a new entrepreneurial endeavor that identified and filled a need in the community, was named Entrepreneurial Business of the Year. Brody Cutter accepted the award on behalf of the business.
“We will continue to do our best to provide good service to you guys,” Cutter said. “On behalf of the Cutter family and the Cheboygan Coffee Roasters staff, we love you.”
The Trudy Lofgren Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Nicole Drake. The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies excellence in community service and leadership through their hard work, integrity and dedication to Cheboygan. Drake, a business banker in the community, has contributed to Habitat for Humanity, the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Cheboygan Ambassadors, Cheboygan High School CTE Advisory Committee and the Bishop Baraga Finance Council.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Cheboygan chamber awards community leaders, businesses at dinner
