Courtesy photo Chamber members step into the rhythm of giving at the fundraising gala, embracing the dance-themed soiree with enthusiasm and community spirit.

ESCANABA — The Chamber’s first fundraising event of the year is officially in the books. Dancing Through the Decades, held two weeks ago at the Island Resort and Casino, was quite a success. On behalf of the Delta County Chamber directors and staff, I extend my 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 Dancing Through the Decades.

Thirty-seven years ago, the board was trying to determine how to pay off old debt and raise funds to keep the Chamber doors open — it was then that Lois Anderson of Holiday Travel and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors suggested that the organization should 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, thirty-seven 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 Dancing Through the Decades 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 Commerce Center team to pull together this spectacular event. Thank you to the following board members who truly are the Chamber’s choreographers:

Chair, Jesse Huff, Radio Results Network

Past Chair: Sue Helgemo, Escanaba Country Club

Christine Bauer, Walmart

Caren Crawford, Crawford Funeral Homes

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

Michelle O’Connor, Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Cheryl Ohman, Lakestate Industries

Allie Prim, Upper Peninsula State Bank

Pamla Versailles, Billerud

I can’t say “thank you” enough 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. I’m sure Lois would be proud.

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