The chamber has operated since 1921, though for its first 55 years, it was the Escanaba Chamber of Commerce. Now it encompasses the Delta County area. Its members represent a variety of industries, from retail and manufacturing to service and education.

The banquet Thursday evening featured a graduation ceremony for the 22 individuals who completed the Delta Force Leadership Program. Not to be confused with Delta Force Private Investigators — incidentally also a chamber member — the program is a nine-month course, with just one day of training per month, that exposes adult students to different industries and aspects of the community. Most participants were sponsored through the program by their employers.

Kaylee Hubert, foundation specialist at Bay College, spoke about self-discovery and the “growth, confidence and excitement” she found through the program.

One graduate — Kelly Jefferson, president of OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group in Escanaba — was presented with the Lighthouse Award for being the program’s outstanding 2025 alum.

Brooke Loman from Billerud accepts her Delta Force diploma from Terri Thompson at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Thursday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

Major event sponsors of this year’s chamber dinner, themed “Woods and Water,” were Billerud, Peninsula Federal Credit Union and Skerbeck Entertainment Group. After live music by Evie Gault, a buffet dinner and introductions, several more awards — sponsored by various community members and businesses — were presented over the course of the night.

Escanaba high school English teacher Scott Shepeck was given the Educational Excellence Award, nicknamed the “Sapling Award,” for the nurturing growth given to young minds to help them flourish.

“Scott’s connection with students is probably the best I’ve ever seen, and I’m an educator,” said Doug Leisenring, who presented the award. “Students trust him and feel appreciated by him. He is willing to help his colleagues and fellow administrators at a moment’s notice, both at school and out. He is respected and greatly appreciated by all. … Scott’s kids know that he cares.”

The Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sportsfishermen won the Community Ambassador Award, also called the “Ripple Effect Award” because of the continuing effects of the group’s efforts. They stocked a reported 94,000 walleye fingerlings this year alone.

The Non-Profit of the Year award went to Krusin’ Klassics, the group best known for organizing the Fun Run classic car event for four decades but which has also distributed tens of thousands of dollars back into the community. The recognition given to Krusin’ Klassics, who announced earlier this year that the 2025 Fun Run was the last the aging club would organize, was also called the “Evergreen Award,” pointing to continued strength year after year.

Jarred Drown and Robert Micheau of Visit Escanaba present the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Ambassador award Thursday to the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sportsfishermen for their community involvement in supporting the area's natural resources. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

“Even though the Fun Run is done, we as a club are not done. We will continue to support the community as long as we are able,” Krusin’ Klassics President Mark Caswell said during his acceptance speech.

The Chamber dinner made time for two awards for business partnerships. Sheila Kruger, representing U.P. State Fair management, presented the “Bridge Builder Award” to the Hannahville Community and Island Resort and Casino. Fairgrounds Operations Manager Matt Valiquette presented the second partnership award, the “Sustainability Award,” to the Steam and Gas Engine Association, which operates the Antique Village in the fairgrounds and celebrated 50 years last month.

A recognition called the Century Award but nicknamed “Mighty Oak Award” went to the City of Gladstone.

“Gladstone has long understood that the beauty and bounty of its natural resources are not just gifts to be admired, but treasures to be nurtured and shared,” Delta County Economic Development Alliance Director Ed Legault said before presenting the Century Award to Gladstone City Manager Eric Buckman. “…Balance between honoring history and embracing growth defines Gladstone today.”

Upper Peninsula Michigan Works announced the final, high honor of the night, presenting the title of Business of the Year — nicknamed the “Great Lakes Award” — to Walmart.

Accepting the "Century Award" on behalf of the City of Gladstone at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Thursday is City Manager Eric Buckman. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)

“Walmart continues to shape our community, flowing with innovation, service and generosity that enriches the lives of those around them,” Michigan Works Business Services Specialist Heather Thomas said, citing $29.4 million donated by Walmart to Michigan communities, as she bestowed the award to Walmart Store Director Christine Bauer.