Mark your calendars for the 69th Annual Awards Banquet
February 28, 2026
5:00 p.m. - Reception | 6:00 p.m. - Dinner and Program | Location: Comfort Inn & Suites Conference Center
Tickets are $75/person or $600 for a table of 8. Tickets can be purchased here
2025 Award Winners:
Citizens of the Year: TBA
One remarkable individual is bestowed each year with the highest honor as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. The identity of the awardee is a surprise to the recipient and all in attendance at the event. Recipients of this award have made significant contributions in time and effort to our community, providing service above and beyond, promoting Mt. Pleasant to individuals outside the area, and are highly involved in, and have established civic activities throughout the community.
Ambassador of the Year: Len Desormeau
Chosen by the Chamber staff, this award is bestowed to a Chamber Ambassador who has shown tremendous dedication to the Chamber of Commerce initiatives and advocacy efforts.
Charles E. Anthony Award: Rob VanDorin
Chosen by the Chamber staff, the award was created to acknowledge one of the Chamber’s most dedicated volunteers, Charles E. Anthony, and is given to a Chamber board member whose volunteerism reflects similar dedication.
Economic Impact Award: McLaren Central Michigan
In partnership with Middle Michigan Development Corporation, this award recognizes a business that has displayed a proven commitment to the economic development of the Mt. Pleasant area. The business has increased the positive financial and social aspects of the region through advancements and growth of its business.
Innovation Award: AIM Targeted Intelligence
In partnership with CMURC, this award recognizes a business that has showcased a proven commitment to pioneering advancements in its industry. Whether through the creation of new technologies or innovative solutions, the business exemplifies a dedication to pushing the boundaries of conventional practices.
Legacy Award: DTE Energy
This award honors a longstanding Chamber Member that has contributed significantly to the Chamber of Commerce initiatives and their incredible impact on our community.
Outgoing Board Chair: Jasmine Eichinger
Rising Star Community Impact Award: Hannah Martin
This award acknowledges a mid-career professional actively working to improve the quality of life in Isabella County, showing their dedication to our community, and is anticipated to continue their good work for years to come!
Small Business Award: In A Snap Photobooths
This award recognizes an small business (25 employees or less) that demonstrates significant support of the Chamber of Commerce initiatives, creates innovative products and services, provides excellent customer service, encourages and supports the professional development of staff, and gives back to the community.
Large Business Award: Texas Roadhouse
This award recognizes a large business (26 employees or more) that demonstrates significant support of the Chamber of Commerce initiatives, creates innovative products and services, provides excellent customer service, encourages and supports the professional development of staff, and gives back to the community.
Young Professional of the Year: Caroline Roberts
This award recognizes an individual who is an active member of the Mt. Pleasant Young Professionals Network, while demonstrating leadership to improve the quality of life in Isabella County, and contributes to the community through volunteerism, career, and community support.
Shirley M. Decker Eagle Awards
These prestigious awards, established in 1990, honor the extraordinary volunteer efforts of one outstanding individual at several of the Mt. Pleasant area’s service clubs and nonprofit organizations. Nominated by the head of their organization, each recipient has “soared” above and beyond, giving of themselves to support their organization and the community. The awards were renamed in 2024 in honor of Shirley M. Decker, who dedicated many years of unconditional support for the Chamber and the Mt. Pleasant community.
2025 Shirley M. Decker Eagle Award Recipients
- Art Reach of Mid Michigan - Danny McQuarters Jr.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Great Lakes Bay Region - Shawnnah Hannah
- Chippewa Watershed Conservancy - John 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 - Pat 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
- Life Choices of Central Michigan - Claudia 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 Rotary Club - Amy Powell
- People Helping People of Isabella County (PHP) - Christopher "Elmo" Walton
- R.I.S.E. Advocacy, Inc. - Barbara Dixon
- Scouting America, Michigan Crossroads Council - Stan 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
