Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Community Excellence at 2026 Awards Celebration

Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Community Excellence at 2026 Awards Celebration
 

    ​Gaylord, MI — The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce proudly honored outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations at its 2026 Awards Celebration, held February 25, 2026, at the Treetops Convention Center. The annual event brought together business and community leaders to recognize those who exemplify leadership, service, and dedication to the Gaylord and Otsego County community.

The evening highlighted the many ways local leaders go above and beyond to strengthen the region—through volunteerism, business leadership, customer service, and unwavering community support during challenging times.

2026 Award Recipients

• Chairman’s Award
  Winner: Shauna VanDeventer
  Recognized by the Chairman of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Chairman’s Award honors a committee member who has gone above and beyond in their role as a Chamber volunteer. Shauna VanDeventer was recognized for her exceptional dedication, reliability, and commitment to the Chamber’s mission, consistently stepping up and exceeding expectations throughout the year.

• Ambassador of the Year Award
  Winner: Matt Erdman
  Voted on by fellow Chamber Ambassadors, this award recognizes exceptional dedication and service in representing the Chamber and supporting its members throughout the year.

• Patti Dobrzelewski Volunteer of the Year Award
  Winner: Kayla Albrecht
  This award honors an individual whose generosity of time, spirit, and leadership reflects the heart of volunteerism that drives the Chamber’s mission.

• Leadership Otsego County (LOC) Alumni Award
  Winner: Melissa Wilkie, Graduate of the 2018 LOC Class
  Presented for the first time, this award recognizes an LOC alumnus whose continued volunteer efforts and positive influence inspire hope and resilience throughout the community.

• GEM Award (Going the Extra Mile)
  Winner: Consumers Energy
  Recognized for extraordinary commitment during the 2025 ice storm, Consumers Energy went beyond their operational responsibilities to support the community through meals, water distribution, and meaningful acts of care during a time of crisis.

The following awards were voted on by the Membership of the Gaylord Area Chamber of commerce

• Daune Weiss Memorial Business Person of the Year Award
  Winners: Joe Messenger & Rachel Smith, Gaylord Community Funeral Home
  This award honors business leaders who exemplify generosity, integrity, and community involvement. Joe and Rachel were recognized for their compassionate leadership and ongoing investment in Gaylord since establishing their business in the community.

• Golden Pineapple Award
  Winner: Food n Stuff
  Awarded for exceptional customer service, this honor celebrates a business that consistently delivers warmth, hospitality, and community support—both inside their doors and beyond.

• You Made It Happen Award
  Winner: Gaylord E-Free (Gaylord Evangelical Free Church)
  Recognized for their immediate and impactful response during the 2025 ice storm, Gaylord E-Free provided shelter, resources, and support to residents when it mattered most.

• Gordon G. Everett Memorial Bell Tower Award
  Winner: Otsego Christian School
  This award recognizes significant community investment through development. Otsego Christian School was honored for its new addition, representing a lasting commitment to education and future generations.

“The Awards Celebration is one of our favorite nights of the year because it reminds us just how fortunate we are to live and work in a community filled with people who truly care,” said Paul Gunderson of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce. “Each recipient represents the best of Gaylord—leadership, compassion, and a commitment to lifting others up.”

The Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce extends its congratulations and gratitude to all nominees, recipients, sponsors, and attendees who continue to make the Gaylord business community strong.

For more information about the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce or upcoming events, visit www.gaylordchamber.com.