ESCANABA — The fourth Thursday in November is one of my most favorite days of the year. What’s not to love about Thanksgiving! You get to spend the entire day eating delicious food and catching up with family and friends.

It’s also a time, as the name suggests, to give thanks.

In this column, I want to gratefully acknowledge the dedication of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors who are passionate advocates of the Chamber’s vision and work hard on behalf of our members to achieve the organization’s goals.

All board members were chosen because they exhibited a desire to serve and because of their past history of supporting the Chamber through committee activity or other means. They are highly motivated individuals and influential community leaders who actively promote the Chamber and our waterfront community.

Collectively, they represent the interests of all members served by the Chamber and approach all issues with an open mind. They listen and respect the opinions of their board colleagues and treat all Chamber members with friendliness and consideration.

The following individuals serve on the board of directors and are the “number one” supporters of the Chamber and its members:

Sue Helgemo, Board Chair and Chair of the Special Projects Council, Schneider, Larche, Haapala and Company

Jesse Huff, Chair Elect, Radio Results Network

Ed Legault, Past Chair and Chair of the Operations and Personnel Council, Escanaba Downtown Development Authority

Deb Doyle, Chair – Workforce and Professional Development Council, BDD Associates

Josh Durst, Edward Jones – Gladstone

Kelly Jefferson, OSF St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group

Jennifer LaChance, Jennifer LaChance Photography

Allie Prim, Upper Peninsula State Bank

Caren Crawford, Crawford Funeral Homes

Brenda Lippens, Chair – Membership Council, Delta County Credit Union

Christine Bauer, Walmart

Jim Olsick, DTE Energy

Jolee Hughes-Nummela, Taylor, Lord and Hughes Insurance

Pamla Lauscher, Chair – Legislative, Community and Economic Development Council, Verso

Scott Herioux, Chair – Finance Council, Island Resort and Casino and Hannahville Indian Community

When you cross paths with any of the board members, please thank them for sharing their knowledge, expertise and commitment to guiding the Chamber and helping to make our waterfront community a great place to life, work and visit.

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Vickie Micheau is executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce