Sault chamber of commerce prepares for 135th annual awards banquet

SAULT STE. MARIE — Various local residents and businesses will be honored next week for their accomplishments and dedication to the community.

More than 200 guests are expected to attend the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet at the Dream Makers Theatre in Kewadin Casino. This year, six awards will be handed out to recognize individuals and businesses for their hard work.

The event will start at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26 with cocktails and dinner. Then, a keynote guest speaker will introduce the evening and present graduating students of the chamber's annual leadership training program.

Through the program, adult students attend a series of seminars and networking events to help them learn more about getting involved in local initiatives and become community leaders.

"This banquet is a great way for our community to pass on awards to deserving businesses and people that have done some great things in the last year," said chamber president Tony Haller. "This also helps showcase our leadership students who have gone through nine months of great training."

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Guest speaker Dan Gilmartin is the CEO of the Michigan Municipal League, which represents more than 500 full-service cities, villages and urban townships in the state. They provide services in everythingfrom professional development to executive recruitment to insurance and risk mitigation.

In his speech, Gilmartin will be talking about the ways the community can improve and grow.

"It's great to have this guest speaker come up and talk about what he sees in our area, and how he can help our area become an even better place," said Haller.

Later in the evening, community members will be handing out awards to this year's winners.

Different guest presenters will be announcing the winners of the Overall Business of the Year Award, F.M. Mansfield Philanthropic Business Award, the Sault Ste. Marie CVB Hospitality Industry Leadership Award, the Sault Ste. Marie EDC Industry Achievement Award, the City of Sault Ste. Marie Economic Preservation Award and the City of Sault Ste. Marie Economic Preservation Award.

Guests will also be able to participate in a silent auction.

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault chamber of commerce plans 135th annual awards banquet