ESCANABA — The Chamber’s first fundraising event of the year is officially in the books. Fire and Ice – Under the Northern Lights, held last weekend at the Island Resort and Casino, was quite a success. On behalf of the Delta County Chamber Directors and staff, we extend our most sincere thanks for the contributions made to support the efforts of this annual gala event. We are extremely grateful to all who contributed their valuable financial resources, time, and prizes to Fire and Ice.

Thirty-six years ago, the Chamber board was trying to determine how to pay off old debt and raise funds to keep their doors open – it was then that they decided to hold a fundraising gala around Valentine’s Day and call it – Love Affair. The first event raised $14,000 and, because it was considered a huge success, has continued to be the Chamber’s annual fundraiser.

Now, 36 years later, thanks to the current board’s guidance, the overwhelming support of the John and Melissa Besse Foundation, and many other contributors, the Chamber moved from the east end of Ludington Street and opened brand new doors in a brand-new commerce center on North Lincoln Road.

The continued success of events like Fire and Ice start and end with our Chamber Board of Directors – a group of dedicated individuals who provide pre-event consulting, event management, and the moral support needed for the Chamber staff to pull together this spectacular event. Thank you to the following board members who truly are the Chamber’s shining northern lights:

Chair, Jesse Huff, Radio Results Network

Past Chair: Sue Helgemo, Schneider, Larche, Haapala & Co.

Christine Bauer, Walmart

Caren Crawford, Crawford Funeral Homes

Deb Doyle, B.D.D. Associates

David Fix, Northern Insurance Agency

Scott Herioux, Hannahville Indian Community/Island Resort & Casino

Kelly Jefferson, OSF Healthcare St. Francis Hospital

Cory Kuchenberg, Edward Jones

Jennifer LaChance, Premier Real Estate

Ed Legault, Delta County EDA

Brenda Lippens, Embers Credit Union

Pamla Versailles, Billerud

Allie Prim, Upper Peninsula State Bank

Again, “thank you” to all our volunteer board members who work so hard to make the Chamber, the business community, and all of Delta County a stronger, more robust place to live, work and conduct business.

We also take this opportunity to thank our guests, primarily local business leaders – our dedicated members – who consistently take time out of their busy schedules to attend and support the many events and activities sponsored by the Chamber. Our members represent the fundamental strength of our organization. Because of their contributions, the Chamber is in a better position to help our area grow and prosper.

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