ESCANABA — The Delta County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner — which normally puts a spotlight on what local people and businesses have achieved over the past year — will not be held as planned in 2020. On Aug. 13, the Delta County Chamber of Commerce board voted to cancel the event, which had been set to take place at the Island Resort & Casino on Thursday, Oct. 8.

“The Chamber board opted to cancel the annual dinner this year. It was the logical choice because many of our guests and event sponsors are following the CDC recommendation to avoid large indoor community gatherings,” Chamber Board Chair Sue Helgemo said.

Typically, the annual dinner features a community awards ceremony, graduation ceremony for people who have completed the Delta Force Leadership Program, the final Chamber board meeting of the fiscal year, and the induction of the new Chamber board, along with a meal served by the Island Resort & Casino. As has been the case for the past few years, the annual dinner would have once again featured an “Oktoberfest” theme in 2020.

Due to the pandemic, the Chamber board has agreed to maintain its status quo for the time being.

“Because of this extreme situation, board members voted to just keep the current directors and officers in place through the 2021 fiscal year,” Chamber Executive Director Vickie Micheau said.

The Chamber is planning to resume Delta Force again in January 2021. The community awards ceremony that would have been held at the annual dinner has also been postponed until next year.

“We look forward to honoring those in the community who have made a great impact on our organization and members at the 2021 annual dinner on Oct. 14,” Micheau said.