Press Release

For Immediate Release

February 6, 2008

The Gaylord/Otsego Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards ceremony took place at its traditional luncheon, February 6, 2008, at the Treetops Resort Convention Center.  Two hundred people attended the popular event, sponsored by Independent Bank, where local community members, businesses, and organizations are celebrated for excellence in the Gaylord area.  The recipient of each award is showcased below.

Ø          Gordon G. Everett Memorial Bell Tower Award:  Recognizing new construction and/or renovation projects that best exemplify investment in Otsego County, while maintaining the Alpine spirit and theme.  This year there were two recipients:  Kosch Properties LLC for their renovation of the Alpine Oven building on S. Otsego Ave. and ACE Hardware/Gaylord Feed & Grain for their renovation of the old Wolohan Lumber building on S. Otsego Ave.

Ø          You Made It Happen Award:  Given to a person, business or organization that, through exceptional contributions and/or commitment, positively affected the growth of the Gaylord community over the past year.  The Edelweiss Garden Club received the award for their efforts in securing the Time Magazine grant that paid for landscaping work at the Energy Outlet Park at the Otsego County Sportsplex.

Ø          Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Recognizing a community leader who donates his or her time to Chamber activities and events. It was presented to Ron Chavey for his volunteer efforts on behalf of the Chamber’s Leadership Otsego County program, as well as the Chamber Ambassadors.

Ø          Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award: Presented to the Ambassador who put forth extraordinary efforts on behalf of the chamber in 2007.  It was presented to Ron Simmons of Northwestern Bank.

Ø          President’s Award: Presented to a member of the Chamber of Commerce who exhibits a commitment to his or her business and the community, the recipient is chosen by the outgoing Chamber President.  It was presented to Jim Grisso, recently retired publisher of the Gaylord Herald Times, by Jim Driver, 2007 Chamber President.

Ø          Golden Pineapple Award: Honoring a member of the Chamber of Commerce for their exceptional customer service.  This year there were two recipients: Dunn’s Business Solutions and Jan’s Northside Deli & Market.

Ø          Daune Weiss Memorial – Businessperson of the Year Award:  Given to a business owner or manager who best exemplifies Daune Weiss' generosity in giving time, money, staff and/or facilities for community benefit.  It was presented to Larry Edwards of the Old Spud Warehouse.

For more information, please contact Bob Kasprzak at 989-732-6333.