Shown is a Daily Press file photo taken by Holly Richer on Feb. 7, 2015 at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce's midwinter gala. The event is scheduled this Saturday for the final time with the theme "Dancing through the Decades." (File photo)

ESCANABA — As the continually-evolving Delta Chamber of Commerce looks towards moving in directions that suit its current state and benefit its members, they are hosting their final mid-winter gala this weekend.

Planning for the first “Love Affair,” a fundraiser for the Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce, began 40 years ago, in 1986. At the time, the Chamber — which has gone through some evolutions over the years, following its origins in 1921 as the Escanaba Chamber of Commerce — was seeking to raise funds to carry out its mission as well as put on a social event.

The organization’s mission today, not dissimilar to then, is described thusly on the Chamber website (deltami.org): “To be a community leader in fostering a healthy business environment. To promote integrity, good faith, and fair business practices. To represent business interests and issues affecting the community. To support initiatives that make Delta County a better community to live in and do business.”

In its early years, the Chamber’s annual mid-winter gala — which some may recognize by the names Love Affair, Fire and Ice or Dancing Through the Decades — generated approximately $15,000 in net income and helped retire debt, said current Executive Director Vickie Micheau.

“It was creative, and exactly what the Chamber needed at that moment in time when many fundraisers were not being held in the community,” Micheau said.

The event for many years achieved its intended objective. Moving forward, the Chamber expresses gratitude to the greater community for helping business and networking grow.

“Because of that success and the many volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, we are standing on solid ground today,” Micheau continued. “The Chamber has evolved, our mission has expanded, and importantly, our revenue model has diversified. We now generate significant non-dues revenue through efforts such as U.P. State Fair management, Delta Force leadership program, LPGA presenting sponsorship, and other partnerships that directly benefit our members and help keep dues manageable.”

Transitions ahead will involve different, innovative forms of fundraising and new ways to honor Chamber members. The business community and public at large can look forward to seeing what emerges in the near future.

“Our recommendation is that we close this chapter thoughtfully with a toast this weekend to 39 great years and express our gratitude to those who built it,” read a latter to the Chamber board.  “We can send a clear message that the Chamber is ready to move forward with a fresh fundraising approach that better aligns with where we are today.”

For anyone interested in jumping on board and attending the last February gala of the local Chamber of Commerce, tickets are still on sale under the “Events” section of deltami.org. RSVPs may also be made by calling 906-786-2192. The event is Feb. 7 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Island Resort and Casino.