The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has announced the winners of this year’s Business Recognition Awards.
The chamber held its annual Breakfast Meeting and awards Ceremony Friday morning at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. Chamber President Arthur Havlicek tells us they had about 600 people on hand showing support for one another.
“The theme of the morning was Stronger Together, and I think that that resonated throughout,” Havlicek said. “There was a lot of time for fellowship, a lot of time for reflection, and a lot of time talking about where we’re headed as a region.”
The Best New Business Award went to McCollum’s at The Grant Hotel, a restaurant in an historic boutique hotel in downtown Buchanan.
The Small Business of the Year Award went to Zo’s Mini Donuts, which can be found all over Berrien County serving up fresh donuts throughout the summer.
The Economic Impact Award went to Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan for its work throughout the region.
Havlicek says they had an eclectic group of winners and nominees.
“Really, one of the greatest results we’ve seen is how geographically diverse our winners actually are. You’ve got a couple of organizations that represent the entire county, and then you’ve got individuals and businesses that are sort of, they’re located all across varying counties.”
The Non-Profit Excellence Award went to Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan for its work serving seniors and the vulnerable.
The Community Impact Award went to the city of Buchanan for its massive $19 million downtown infrastructure project.
The Rising Star Award went to Chris Britton of New Heights CCDA, which works to help people overcome systemic barriers that keep them trapped in poverty.
The Pat Moody Award went to Dr. Megan Yore, of Sturgis Bank for her business leadership and volunteerism throughout the community.
Finally, the Ambassador of the Year is Dr. Kimberly Pichot of Andrews University for her work with entrepreneurs.
Havlicek says the winners were all selected in real time by attendees of the breakfast and ceremony.
Photo: Buchanan city leaders with their award for the downtown infrastructure project.
