2025 Award Recipients for 69th Annual Awards Banquet 

Written By Kaitlin Otteman

First held in 1957, the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Banquet is a fundraising gala that brings together hundreds of business and community leaders to recognize the businesses and individuals who make a meaningful impact in Mt. Pleasant. Recipients are chosen for how they elevate, uplift, and improve the community.  

The 69th Annual Awards Banquet honorees have been selected, except for the highest honor of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year, which will be revealed on the night of the banquet!

2025 Annual Awards Banquet Recipients 

Rising Star Community Impact Award  

This award acknowledges an individual who is a "rising star" in their service to the community. This individual actively works to improve the quality of life in Isabella County; contributes to the community through volunteerism, career, and community support; and establishes events, programs or initiatives benefiting Isabella County community members.

  • Hannah Martin 

Economic Impact Award 

Sponsored by Middle Michigan Development Corporation, this award is bestowed upon a company that strives to positively impact the quality of life in Isabella County.

  • McLaren Central Michigan 

Innovation Award  

Sponsored by CMURC, this award is bestowed upon a company that seeks to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and creates profound and positive impacts on their community.

  • AIM Targeted Intelligence 

Large Business Award

This award is given to Chamber member businesses that have demonstrated significant support of the Chamber of Commerce initiatives and involvement in the community. These organizations have dedicated resources in the form of financial support, employee volunteer hours, and/or leadership to improve the quality of life in Isabella County. 

  • Texas Roadhouse 

Small Business Award  

This award is given to Chamber member businesses that have demonstrated significant support of the Chamber of Commerce initiatives and involvement in the community. These organizations have dedicated resources in the form of financial support, employee volunteer hours, and/or leadership to improve the quality of life in Isabella County. 

  • In A Snap Photobooths 

Young Professional of the Year  

The honor of this award goes to an individual who has been actively engaged in the Young Professionals Network and the Chamber of Commerce.

  • Caroline Roberts 

Legacy Award 

This award is bestowed upon an established Chamber Member who have contributed significantly to the Chamber of Commerce initiatives and their community.

  • DTE Energy  

Charles E. Anthony Award 

The award recognizes an outstanding Chamber Board Member for exemplary volunteer service to the community, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber Staff. The award was created to acknowledge one of the Chamber's most dedicated volunteers, Charles Anthony, and is given to a Chamber Board Member whose volunteerism reflects similar dedication.

  • Rob VanDorin 

Ambassador of the Year 

This award is bestowed upon a Chamber Ambassador who has shown tremendous dedication to the Chamber of Commerce initiatives and advocacy efforts.

  • Len Desormeau 

Outgoing Board Chair 

This award is bestowed upon the outgoing board chair of the Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their significant contributions and dedication to the Chamber of Commerce initiatives and advocacy work.

  • Jasmine Eichinger

2025 Shirley M. Decker Eagle Awards 

These awards are given to exceptional community service club and nonprofit organization volunteers who have "soared" above and beyond in their selfless service to our community.

  • Art Reach of Mid Michigan - Danny McQuarters Jr. 

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region - Shawnnah Hannah 

  • Chippewa Watershed Conservancy – John B. Mitchell 

  • Clothing INC – Paul DeYoung 

  • Community Cancer Services - Tina Powell 

  • Community Compassion Network - Carol Ford 

  • Friends of the Veterans Memorial Library - Sherry Powell 

  • Habitat for Humanity of Isabella County - Patrick Ebnit 

  • HopeWell Ranch - Chester Mast 

  • Isabella Community Soup Kitchen - Louanna Bruner 

  • Isabella County Commission on Aging - Deborah Barker 

  • Isabella County Restoration House – Dan Ellis 

  • League of Women Voters Mt. Pleasant Area - Frances Lichtman 

  • LifeClinic – Mt. Pleasant - Claudia Maria Rey-Perry 

  • McLaren Central Michigan - Daniel Boge  

  • Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation - Erin Ludwig 

  • Mt. Pleasant Jaycees - Tiffany Eisenberger 

  • Mt. Pleasant Lions Club - Nicole M. Ferguson 

  • Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis Club – Marni Walker 

  • Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club - Amy C. Powell 

  • People Helping People of Isabella County - Elmo Walton 

  • R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc. - Barbara Dixon 

  • Scouting America, Michigan Crossroads Council – Stanley R. Finch 

  • Sleepy Dog Books Foundation - Marni Walker 

  • Special Olympics Michigan - Steve Thompson 

  • The Care Store - Bethany LeViere 

  • The William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center - Jill Bourland 

  • Zonta Club of Mt Pleasant - Jordan Ensing 

     

“We are thrilled to celebrate so many businesses and community leaders who have done so much for Mt. Pleasant,” said Padraic McMeel, President & CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce.  

“The work they do each day to make our community bigger and brighter is such a blessing, and we are excited to recognize them in February!” 

Join us for a night of celebration! The 69th Annual Awards Banquet will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 5 - 9 PM at the Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center.  

Tickets can be purchased here: https://business.mt-pleasant.net/events/details/annual-awards-banquet-69th-annual-352125

Kaitlin Otteman