69th Annual Awards Banquet Honors Outstanding Community Leaders

Helen Chase was announced as the 2025 Outstanding Citizen of the Year on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s 69th Annual Awards Banquet at the Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center. Family and friends offered an emotional applause after the surprise announcement was made. 

“Helen’s passion for community engagement and her tireless efforts to uplift those around her make her a truly deserving candidate for this honor. Her work has left a lasting impact, and her example inspires all of us to contribute more to the place we call home,” Riley Justis, co-owner of Sleepy Dog Books remarked in his nomination.  

Helen Chase, owner of Trillium Fine Clothing for Women, has been dedicated to Mt. Pleasant since coming to Central Michigan University. Her business journey began at Trillium (then Mariannes) in 1967. Throughout the years, she has donated her time, talent and treasure towards beloved community events like Zonta’s Applefest, CMU’s Threads Fashion Show, Bowties and Bourbon, Christmas Outreach of Isabella County, and Into the Light for Community Cancer Services of Isabella County. Helen has been a passionate advocate for small business through her previous engagement with the Downtown Development Board, and as a founding member of the Downtown Business Association. She has been a devoted member of Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant, serving with the organization for 50 years and being a passionate advocate for women and girls. 

First held in 1957, the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet recognizes the most outstanding businesses and community leaders in Mt. Pleasant. The event honors individuals and businesses who have selflessly given their time, talents, and resources to better our community.  

“I feel deeply blessed to live in a community with such tremendous leaders,” said President & CEO, Padraic McMeel. “It was such a fantastic night of celebration, and we are thrilled to recognize all the greatness in Mt. Pleasant.” 

All award recipients were honored on February 28, 2026, at the 69th Annual Awards Banquet. 

Rising Star Community Impact Award, sponsored by MyMichigan Health 

• Hannah Martin 

The Rising Star Community Impact Award acknowledges an individual who is a “rising star” in their service to the community.” Hannah Martin is the Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement for Central Michigan University Alumni Relations and has always had a passion for philanthropic involvement, whether it's constructing a new house with Habitat for Humanity or distributing grants during Fall and Spring Gives with the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. She currently serves on boards with Habitat for Humanity of Isabella County and the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees, and committees with the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival, the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and Central Michigan University, in addition to recently becoming a Chamber Ambassador. Through her numerous involvements, Hannah has fundamentally improved the quality of life and connection in the community through her steadfast dedication to making the world a better place – several organizations at a time. 

Economic Impact Award, sponsored by Middle Michigan Development Corporation 

• McLaren Central Michigan 

This award is bestowed to a company committed to economic prosperity in Isabella County. This year’s recipient, McLaren Central Michigan, had two incredible milestones in 2025 demonstrating their growth and dedication to the community. In September, the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Central Michigan, Morey Cancer Center, celebrated 20 years of offering “world-class cancer care right in central Michigan.” In November, McLaren Central Michigan earned verification from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to become Isabella County’s first designated trauma center. As a Level IV trauma center, hospital emergency physicians, surgeons, and care teams have demonstrated that they have met rigorous and essential national standards for trauma care, including rapid assessment, and stabilization of patients.   

Innovation Award, sponsored by CMURC 

• AIM Targeted Intelligence 

This award highlights a company that seeks to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and create profound and positive impacts on its community. For over 45 years, AIM Targeted Intelligence has built their business around providing information management and strategic intelligence services to organizations that affect their business operations and long-term sustainability. AIM has created solutions that solve long-standing problems in environments where clarity and reliability have historically been difficult to achieve, including government, biotechnology, regulatory monitoring, consumer goods, and more. 

Large Business Award, sponsored by Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! 

• Texas Roadhouse 

The Large and Small Business Awards recognize businesses that demonstrate significant support of the Chamber, and involvement in the community. Texas Roadhouse gives their time, talent and treasure whenever possible to make the community stronger. From partnering with the Isabella County Restoration House, to sponsoring the Polar Plunge, to serving on community boards, including the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the staff lives and breathes a collaborative mindset, focused on providing quality interactions, in and out of the restaurant. 

Small Business Award, sponsored by Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! 

• In a Snap Photobooths 

In a Snap Photobooths has brought joy to the Central Michigan region and beyond, capturing memories at weddings, holiday parties, corporate events, university gatherings, and nonprofit fundraisers. From events like the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival to Bowties and Bourbon, Gary and his team are dedicated to ensuring that no event is undocumented and every memory is captured, in addition to giving back to several local nonprofit organizations and serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Golf Committee. 

Both of these businesses exemplify what these awards represent: quality customer service, dedicated and welcoming employees, and giving back to the community. 

Young Professional of the Year, sponsored by Three Rivers Corporation 

• Caroline Roberts 

This award honors a member of the Mt. Pleasant Young Professionals Network (YPN) who positively impacts the community through their career, volunteerism, and leadership. Caroline Roberts, Director of Talent & Education at Middle Michigan Development Corporation, is the current secretary of the YPN. In her first year as secretary, Caroline launched the first ever YPN Book Drive to combat low literacy rates in Isabella County. In 2025, the YPN Book Drive freely distributed over 1,700 books of all genres into the community! Caroline is a passionate advocate for the YPN, working to empower young professionals across the region to be actively involved and use their voice. 

Legacy Award 

• DTE Energy  

The Legacy Award acknowledges a long-standing Chamber member for their positive contributions to the Chamber and our community. DTE Energy, in their nearly 70 year tenure with the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, believes the power of community is just as important as the power they deliver. Whether serving on community boards with Middle Michigan Development Corporation, supporting local programs like CMU’s InSciTE, DTE keeps sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront of their priorities.  

Charles E. Anthony Award, sponsored by State Farm Insurance, Jasmine Eichinger & Peggy Pickler 

• Rob VanDorin 

The Charles E. Anthony 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 serves as the Executive Director of Business & Community Outreach for Central Michigan University’s Innovation & Online, in addition to his role as Vice Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors. Rob actively develops partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and military organizations to address workforce development and training needs. His efforts support talent pipelines, professional upskilling, and regional economic growth. 

Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by Three Rivers Corporation 

• Len Desormeau 

The Ambassador of the Year honors a dedicated Ambassador for their efforts to improve our business community and support the Chamber. Len Desormeau, has been an Ambassador since May 2024, donning the iconic green jacket for numerous ribbon cuttings and warmly greeting attendees for morning Daybreak events.  He feels the best part about being an Ambassador is, “The opportunity to connect with local professionals in the community, and helping them feel important and informed.” 

Outgoing Board Chair, sponsored by Lake Trust Credit Union 

• Jasmine Eichinger 

This award acknowledges the outgoing board chair of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their leadership and service to the Board of Directors. Jasmine Eichinger led the board with a leadership philosophy rooted in a commitment to community. Jasmine is also a part of the Rotary Club, where she has volunteered for Christmas Outreach, the annual Rotary Beef Dinner, among countless additional opportunities to give back to the Mt. Pleasant community she loves and calls home. 

Shirley M. Decker Eagle Awards, sponsored by Mercantile Bank 

The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce also recognizes some of the community’s most deserving volunteers who have “soared above” in their service with the Shirley M. Decker Eagle Award sponsored by Mercantile Bank. This prestigious award, established in 1990, was renamed in 2024 in honor of Shirley M. Decker, who was an instrumental part of the community and the Chamber for decades, serving as a Chamber Ambassador, Chamber Board Member and was the Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1984. This year’s honorees are the largest group in the Chamber’s history! 

2025 Shirley M. Decker Eagle Award Recipients 

• 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 

• Christmas Outreach of Isabella County - Peggy Schuette 

• Clothing INC – Paul DeYoung 

• Community Cancer Services of Isabella County - Tina Powell 

• Community Compassion Network – Carole 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 - Debbie Barker 

• Isabella County Restoration House – Daniel Ellis 

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

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

• Kiwanis Club of Mt. Pleasant – Marni Walker 

• McLaren - Daniel Boge  

• Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation - Erin Ludwig 

• Mt. Pleasant Jaycees - Tiffany Eisenberger 

• Mt. Pleasant Lions Club - Nicole M. Ferguson 

• Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club - Amy C. Powell 

• Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant – Mike Sobolewski 

• People Helping People of Isabella County – Elmo Walton 

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

 Want to learn more about the largest group of Eagle Award honorees? Check out our program from the night of!

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The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to foster economic vitality by supporting and strengthening our business community.