HARRIS — Members of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce will get together on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Island Resort & Casino and Convention Center in Harris for the Chamber Annual Dinner. The Oktoberfest-themed event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and drinks, followed by dinner and the awards program at 6:30. Dinner will include entrees of Oktoberfest roasted chicken and pot roast, along with mashed potatoes and gravy, German potato salad and other side dishes, a beer cheese dip with soft pretzels, and beer flights.

“This is our opportunity to celebrate Delta County, and all of the successes and opportunities provided by businesses this past year,” said Vickie Micheau, Chamber of Commerce executive director. “It’s a great way for us to get everyone together and show how much we appreciate the incredible amount of work and dedication that our members put forth every day to make Delta County a great place to live, work and visit.”

A graduation ceremony will also be held for members of the Delta Force leadership development program. This is the 21st year of the program. Delta Force exposes students to different aspects of the community each month in areas such as law enforcement, education, government, the environment, health and community services, and media communications. As with any graduation, a member of the Delta Force class will provide a commencement speech to talk about the achievements of this year’s students.

“As we watch more than two decades of students who have graduated through Delta Force and the positions that they have earned in this community, we realize that it has been great for Delta County and is a very rewarding experience for all of the sponsors and facilitators involved in the program,” Micheau said.

In addition, area businesses and community members will be recognized and honored during an awards program, which includes the following awards: Excellence in Education Award, sponsored by Community Foundation for Delta County; Community Ambassador, sponsored by Ambassadors of Delta County; Business Partner of the Year, sponsored by Visit Escanaba; Century Award, sponsored by EDA; Outstanding Delta Force Alum, sponsored by The Daily Press; Philanthropy Award, sponsored by OSF St. Francis Hospital; Athena Award, sponsored by the Commerce Center Boards of Directors; and Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Upper Peninsula Michigan Works.

Micheau said the awards program is a highlight of the annual dinner. “The Chamber is honored to give recognition to those who work to make Delta County special. This is our opportunity to give businesses and individuals in our community the credit they richly deserve,” she said.

To purchase tickets for the Delta Chamber Annual Dinner, visit deltami.org or visit the Commerce Center, located at 1001 North Lincoln Road in Escanaba. Tickets are $40 each, and include a gourmet dinner, complimentary beer flights, and musical entertainment.

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