Resolutions were read by sponsoring organizations in recognition of the following Community Award winners, who are pictured from left to right accepting framed resolutions on behalf of themselves, their organization, or business: Stephen Davis, on behalf of Bay College, accepted Business of the Year Award; Todd C. LaFave, on behalf of The Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation, accepted Philanthropy Award; Brenda Lippens, on behalf of Embers Credit Union, accepted Business Partner of the Year Award; Pamla Versailles, Health & Safety Director, Billerud, accepted Delta Force Alum Outstanding Contribution Award; Dr. Laura Coleman, President of Bay College, accepted ATHENA Leadership Award; Traci Tardiff, teacher at Rapid River Schools, accepted Excellence in Education Award; Doug Leisenring, on behalf of Escanaba Rotary Club, accepted Century Award; and Kimberly Kareckas, on behalf of Peninsula Federal Credit Union, accepted Community Ambassador Award.

HARRIS — Community leaders, businesses and Delta Force students were recognized and honored at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, held at the Island Resort & Casino Thursday, Oct. 13.

The evening began with a short board meeting led by Jesse Huff, chair of the Chamber Board of Directors. The participants in the Delta Force Leadership Program were then recognized. In this, the 21st year of the program, there were also students from Delta Force Classes of 2020 and 2021 (due to the program being cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.)

The students participating in Delta Force were: Brenda Barron, Sondra Becker, Paige Bitters, Dylan Bloniarz, Mari Bower, Kelly Brown, Connor Cappaert, Kevin Chown, Megan DeGrave, Morgan Eagloski, Kris Goymerac, Jason Hamre, Tina Jensen, Meagan Johnsen, Amanda Jo Kleikamp, Christina Kwarciany, Jessica LaMarch, Mandy Lindstrom, Janine Maloney, Amy Martin, Tyler Myrick, Ian Peltier, Whitney Pratt, Heavenlee Royer, Laurel Starnes, Rachael Strand, Terri-Lynn Thompson, Jacquelyn Trask-Rahn, Allison Wandahsega, and April Weber.

Rachael Strand, member of the Delta Force Class of 2020/2021/2022, was chosen to give the commencement address during the ceremony. “It was so humbling to be chosen to give my testimony on the Delta Force Program on behalf of all the students in all three years,” Strand said. “I was very nervous at first, but I created so many great relationships with this group and the businesspeople in our community, that it felt more comfortable knowing that many of them already knew who I was.”

In her address, she talked about the importance of the Delta Force Program in creating the community’s future leaders. “If we don’t share our knowledge and experience with others about all that our community members have to offer, we are wasting the precious opportunity to grow and flourish in our business and personal lives,” she said.

On a personal note, I had the honor of attending the Delta Force sessions along with the students this past year. Over the past 10 months, the students inspired me and assured me that the future of Delta County is in great hands.

Also at the Oktoberfest-themed Annual Dinner, the Delta County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the milestones, successes, and generosity of Delta County businesses and individuals.

Members of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, including area businesses, organizations and community members, were recognized and honored during the Community Awards Program portion of the evening.

“The Chamber was honored to give recognition to those who work to make Delta County special. This was our opportunity to give businesses and individuals in our community the credit they richly deserve,” said Vickie Micheau, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “It was also our opportunity to celebrate Delta County, and all of the successes and opportunities provided by businesses and our community members this past year.”

Created and facilitated by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Delta Force focuses on leadership, character and community involvement, and encompasses a series of ten full-day sessions covering key segments of our community. Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.deltami.org/delta-force-leadership-program” www.deltami.org/delta-force-leadership-program for more information.

Presenting sponsors of the Chamber Annual Dinner were Island Resort and Casino, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works, and OSF Healthcare. Skerbeck Entertainment Group and VanAire Incorporated were event sponsors.

The mission of the Chamber is to promote economic and community development in Delta County.

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Victoria LaFave works as Media and Communications Officer for the Delta Chamber of Commerce.