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Centennial Celebration kicks off 4th

ESCANABA — What difference a year makes. Last year’s 4th of July events were either postponed, social distanced or very small. Now we can have a celebration Yoopers would be proud of! We have learned to celebrate together as a community for many years. Many of our transplanted friends and family pick this weekend to come back and visit. It is one of the best weeks of the year, with activities throughout Delta County! I would expect everything will seem bigger and better based on what we have been through during the last year and a half. Spending time at a family event with many friends sprinkled in sounds great. We even get to spread it out until Monday.

I could not think of a better way to start the weekend of parties and events, than having the Delta County Chamber of Commerce Centennial Celebration. The event took place July 1st at the new Commerce Center at 1001 N Lincoln Road from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.. In conjunction with the Chamber Centennial, the U.P. Veterans and Honor Flight Legacy museums had their official opening! The building is home to the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, the UP State Fair offices, Delta County Economic Development Alliance, Visit Escanaba and the Webster Marble Inventing the Outdoors Museum, the U.P. Veterans’ Museum and the Honor Flight Legacy. The official ground breaking for the project occurred on August 16 of 2018 and in typical Chamber fashion the building opened in less than a year on August 12, 2019. The Commerce Center is a highlight of the partnerships the Chamber has fostered for the last 100 years. The legacy of civic and business leaders that have been involved with the Chamber over the last 100 years have witnessed many remarkable things. This project was a tribute to all of the Chamber Membership, Board Members past and present and Director’s. Vickie Micheau became the Chamber director in 1999 and continues to provide her leadership to the many impactful events & initiatives that support all of our area businesses. Her Chamber teams have changed faces over the years, but area always effective, responsive & passionate about everything they can do to assist their members.

It was totally appropriate that Ms. Micheau kicked off the event by welcoming everyone in attendance introducing Senator Ed McBroom. Senator McBroom serves as Chair of the U.P. State Fair Authority. He shared his thoughts on the achievement of the organizations and welcomed our elected officials in attendance. Jeremy Hosking from the Governor’s Office was introduced and presented proclamations to Ann Jousma Miller and Greg Besse, President of the John & Melissa Besse Foundation. Jim Pintar of the U.P. Veteran’s Award Committee took the stage to present an honorary U.P. Veteran of the Year Award to Greg Besse recognizing his father’s military service. A plaque honoring John Besse is in the U.P. Veteran’s Museum. Two statements on the plaque really stood out to me. “Be tenacious. Don’t give up if there is still a way to accomplish your dream”. John Besse had a determination and desire to succeed that always had him focused in anything he did. One of his lessons learned; “A great way to feel good instantly, is to give time or money to a worthwhile cause”. John took this to heart and his family through Greg and the Foundation continue to support many worthwhile area causes. The Commerce Center and Museums would still be a dream if not for the support of the John & Melissa Besse Foundation. Bill Hafeman of the U.P. Veteran’s Committee also recognized the Besse’s generosity making the project a reality. Mr. Hafeman also recognized Ann Jousma Miller, the curator of the U.P. Veteran’s Museum. Ms. Miller is an incredible lady that led the team to make the U.P. Veterans Museum a reality. Her tireless research and the ability to find every important detail for every story in the exhibit has been amazing.

Ann Jousma Miller then recognized the many people and organizations that contributed to the U.P. Veteran’s & Honor flight Legacy museum. Ann officially opened the museums and invited guest to tour the museums & Commerce Center, as well as encourage the group to partake in the picnic style set up in the Commerce Center. The group had hot dogs & brats and some beverages to celebrate like it was 1999 when Vickie started her tenure.

I hope the weather is great all weekend for the many local events and enjoy the time with family and friends.

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Ed Legault is director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance

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