IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In a grand year-end celebration, the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Business After-Hours Awards, presenting a total of eight accolades. Guidestar’s Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program emerged victorious as the Business of the Year, marking a milestone as the first high school cybersecurity DOL-registered apprenticeship program in Michigan. The prestigious award was bestowed by Upper Peninsula Michigan Works.
Tamara Juul of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation claimed the title of Distinguished Member of the Year, while The First National Bank and Trust secured the Large Business of the Year honor. Dr. John Fornetti Dental Center earned recognition as the Best Small Business, and Higher Love Cannabis Company was crowned the Best New Business of the Year.
Suzanne Larson, The Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director, achieved an impressive goal of 400 memberships, surpassing expectations with 406 members and welcoming 42 new chamber affiliates this year. The awards, chosen through nominations and votes by chamber members, spotlight exceptional businesses in the community. “We can recognize our chamber members that have gone above and beyond, and excel in what they do,” emphasized Larson.
Reflecting on the significance of the ceremony, Larson noted its resemblance to the Academy Awards, highlighting that winners are kept in the dark until the announcement. Categories also included Ambassador of the Year, New Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, and Small and Large Business of the Year.
Mindy Meyers of Radio Results Network claimed the chamber’s Ambassador of the Year title, and shared some community insights about sticking with the Chamber of Commerce:
“It’s truly an honor to receive an award for Ambassador of the year, because I believe in the mission of the Chamber, that we’re better together… You do so much for our community, just from the speeches that we’ve heard tonight, and just small talk around the room, we all give so much to the community, and we really are better together,” Meyers stated.
Stephen’s Real Estate was recognized as the Best Place to Work, and Dickinson Amateur Hockey Association secured the Nonprofit of the Year accolade. The event showcased the outstanding contributions of businesses that went above and beyond, excelling in their respective fields.
