Community leaders recognized at Petoskey’s Celebration of Champions

BAY HARBOR — Leaders from across the community and representing several different industries were honored on Wednesday night during the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Celebration of Champions.

The awards banquet, now in its 32nd year, took place at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor.

Awards presented include: the Chairman’s Award, the Athena Award, the Thriving Petoskey Award, the Service Excellence Award, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Ambassador of the Year Award, the Ron Foeller Community Enthusiast Award, the Architectural Awards, and the Marty Van De Car Inclusivity Award.

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Stafford and Janice Smith, founders of Stafford’s Hospitality, were honored with the Chairman’s Award. This award is given each year in recognition and appreciation of long-standing accomplishments, significant investment and extraordinary efforts that have shaped the community.

“(They) have been a constant presence in the community, volunteering in countless endeavors over the years,” said Stephanie Baldwin, the chamber’s board chair. “They have built a standard of hospitality that carries a strong and lasting impact.”

In November, Stafford’s Hospitality announced they would be selling its collection of hotels and waterfront restaurants after more than 60 years of business. Their properties include The Bay View Inn in Bay View, The Perry Hotel in Petoskey, The Noggin Room Pub in Petoskey, The Crooked River Lodge in Alanson, The Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs and The Weathervane in Charlevoix.

Valerie Meyerson, director of the Petoskey District Library, was named the 2023 Athena Award recipient. This award is given each year to celebrate the potential of all women as leaders of the community.

“What sets this individual apart from so many others is (her) willingness to act courageously and advocate fiercely, and to jump in whenever (she) see(s) a need,” said Jennifer Shorter, last year’s Athena recipient, who presented the award to Meyerson.

The Marty Van De Car Inclusivity Award was given to Ryan Donahoe, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Petoskey. This award was added for the first time at last year’s ceremony in honor of Marty Van De Car. It is given to an individual or organization in the community that breaks down barriers and fosters change to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all.

DJ Jones, executive director of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, presented Donahoe with the award and described him as “a relational bridge builder, as well as being one of the most welcoming and inclusive members in our community.”

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The Service Excellence Award was presented to Toski Sands Market & Wine Shop. Owners Keith and Sue McGlaughlin accepted the award.

“When they took over in 2003, they knew they wanted to build on a dream, and create a destination for residents and visitors alike,” said Reg Smith of Stafford’s Hospitality, who presented the award. “While they continued to make changes over the years, they always kept the core of the business at the forefront, a place where the staff always make their customers feel welcome.”

Robyn Rakoniewski of Harbor Brenn Insurance was named this year’s Ron Foeller Community Enthusiast award winner. This award honors someone who is a cheerleader, an ambassador and a supporter of the community.

Award presenter Bill McMaster of Bill’s Farm Market described Rakoniewski as “a ball of energy, light and joy. She is passionate, inclusive, kind (and) fun-loving.”

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The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was given to Adam and Mike Kazanowski and Michael Kolkmeyer of Gypsy Vodka, High Five Spirits and Gypsy Distillery.

“With consistent year after year growth of 30-40 percent, the whole state has gotten to know Gypsy Vodka,” said Shaun Michael Osborne of OsborneKlein Ameriprise Financial, who presented the award. “The company now boasts the number one Michigan-made vodka, the number one Michigan-made gin and the state’s biggest ready to drink canned beverage.”

The Thriving Petoskey Award was presented to Becky Philipp-Kranig and Bearcub Outfitters. This award is given annually to an individual, business or organization that promotes positive business practices that enhance the area’s employees, community organizations and environment.

Award presenter Mari Kissinger of The Highlands at Harbor Springs described Bearcub as “an exemplary business in the community for their true and passionate support … They enthusiastically participate in all local downtown events.”

The Chamber Ambassador of the Year award was given to Aaron Garms. Garms was recognized as this year’s winner for his enthusiastic involvement with the chamber.

In the Architectural and Renovation awards, the Mitchell Street downtown entrance and Spring & Porter tied in the Beautification category. The Design Award was presented to American Spoon Foods. The Heritage Award was presented to Stafford’s Bay View Inn.

To watch the ceremony recording or find out more information, visit petoskeychamber.com.

— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com. 

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey’s Celebration of Champions 2023 recognizes community contributors