Business News

An Evening of Recognition and Community Celebration

Minding our own business

As our nation continues to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, communities across the country are reflecting on the people, partnerships and shared values that have shaped our history. Here in Delta County, we have many reasons to celebrate ~ and many of them will be recognized during the Delta County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on Thursday, October 8, at the Island Resort and Casino.

This year's theme, "United We Thrive," is more than a slogan for one evening. It reflects the way progress happens throughout our waterfront community. Businesses invest and create opportunities. Organizations respond to community needs. Educators prepare future generations. Volunteers step forward, and partners work together, often behind the scenes, to make good things happen.

The Annual Dinner provides an opportunity to pause and celebrate the individuals, businesses and organizations whose service, resilience and leadership strengthen Delta County.

Several awards will be presented throughout the evening, including the Delta Force Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by the Daily Press, and the Educational Excellence Award, sponsored by the Community Foundation for Delta County.

Billerud will sponsor the Community Ambassador Award, recognizing exceptional efforts to welcome others and positively represent our waterfront community. The Non-Profit of the Year Award will celebrate an organization whose programs and services bring people together and expand opportunities for those it serves.

Two Business Partner of the Year Awards will be presented this year. The U.P. State Fair and Visit Escanaba will each sponsor recognition honoring partners whose responsiveness, cooperation and commitment helped our community move forward during important, and sometimes challenging, moments.

The Delta County Economic Development Alliance will sponsor the Century Award, recognizing a business whose roots have grown alongside our community for more than 100 years. Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! will sponsor the Business of the Year Award, honoring a business that exemplifies determination, resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to move Delta County forward.

The evening will also include the graduation of the 2026 Delta Force class. These graduates represent the newest group of leaders prepared to contribute their talents, voices and ideas to articulate how Delta County will look in the future. Their graduation is always a meaningful part of the Annual Dinner and a reminder that strong communities must continually encourage and prepare their next generation of leaders.

We invite the community to join us for this special celebration! Attire is casual and Fourth of July festive ~ but guests are welcome to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable and ready to celebrate! The social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the dinner program. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by stopping by or calling the Delta County Chamber at 906-786-2192.