Column: Chamber Annual Dinner celebrates successes, Delta Force graduates
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 on Thursday, Oct. 10.
The Annual Dinner’s music theme provided the over 270 attendees with a musical journey celebrating community excellence and the Centennial season of the Escanaba City Band. Music by the City Band played in the background during the evening, providing for a festive atmosphere.
Chamber Executive Director Vickie Micheau addressed the crowd, thanking the attendees and staff for their commitment and support for our Waterfront community. “Just as our City Band has long echoed throughout the community, your contributions have shaped the vital business environment we are celebrating tonight,” Micheau said. “Your unyielding support has made possible the opportunities and experiences that enriched our year.”
Micheau then introduced Jesse Huff, Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors, after which he installed the 2025 Chamber Board of Directors during a short board meeting.
The 21 graduates in the Delta Force Leadership Program were then recognized in this, the 23rd year of the program.
Created and facilitated by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Delta Force is designed to empower diverse individuals of our community with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to successfully assume leadership roles in Delta County. It encompasses a series of ten full-day sessions, including field trips and presentations by respected local leaders, 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 or to apply for the Delta Force Class of 2025.
The students graduating from Delta Force this year were: Katie Berg, Cheri Bourdeau-Gatiss, Linnea Butts, Casey Collegnon, Mark Cowman, Rachel L. Davison, Michelle Flagstadt, Kerry L. Getzloff, Jamie Johnson, Bethany Leiter, Merrisa MacGregor, Megan Maki, Abby Runkel, Zahira Sanchez Genao, Seth Seastrum, Trisha Sebeck, Brandon Sundblad, Jacob A. Taylor, Steven Viau, Dr. Robert L. Yin, and Ashleigh Young.
Many of the students said they were inspired by the community leaders they learned from over the year.
Delta Force Graduate Kerry Getzloff, who was chosen to give the commencement address during the ceremony, said, “Thank you to the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. This has been such a great opportunity.”
Over the past ten months, the students learned about the inner workings of the Delta County community from business, community and municipal leaders, along with government officials.
Also at the music-themed Annual Dinner, the Chamber of Commerce celebrated the milestones, successes, and generosity of Delta County businesses and individuals.
Members of the 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,” Micheau said. “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.”
The event’s musical theme was appropriate because Delta County is becoming known for its live music concerts. In addition to the City Band playing weekly concerts in Ludington Park during the summer months, there were many concerts throughout the music-filled summer, including Escanaba’s Music Monday concerts, Gladstone’s Summer Concert Series, Marina Fest, ‘Rock the Dock’, ‘Lakeshore Live’, U.P. State Fair concerts, of course, big-name concerts at the Island Resort & Casino, and many other musical events throughout Delta County.
Presenting sponsors of the Chamber Annual Dinner were OSF Healthcare, Island Resort and Casino, and Upper Peninsula Michigan Works. Production supporters were Skerbeck Entertainment Group and Highline. Award sponsors were Community Foundation for Delta County, Peninsula Federal Credit Union, The Daily Press, Visit Escanaba, U.P. State Fair, Radio Results Network, Delta County EDA, Billerud, and Upper Peninsula Michigan Works.
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Victoria LaFave works as media and communications officer for the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.