Area Chamber of Commerce has awards night - Iron Mountain Daily News

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THE DICKINSON AREA Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Year was Debra Crandall of First Bank, left, accepting the award from chamber Executive Director Suzanne Larson. (Photo provided by The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce)

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its members with an awards program Jan. 16 at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain.


The event had signature sponsors that included First National Bank & Trust, Iron Mountain Kingsford Community Federal Credit Union and Rize. Other sponsors included Northern Interstate Bank and First Bank.

Nominations were taken for these awards: Michigan Works! Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Small Business, Non-Profit, New Business of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Best Place to Work.

Nominees for Small Business of the Year were Body Alchemy Bodyworks & Massage Studio, The Daily News and Higher Love Cannabis Co. The winner was Body Alchemy Bodyworks & Massage Studio.

Nominees for New Business of the Year were Dickinson County Title and Monette’s Market & Cafe. The winner was Dickinson County Title.

THE CHAMBER’S LARGE Business of the Year was 41 Lumber. Accepting the award is owner Carol Quandt with other representatives of the company. (Photo provided by The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce)

Nominee for Non-Profit of the Year was Family Snowshoe Charity Association, and they were the winner.

Nominee for Ambassador of the Year was Debra Crandall, who was the winner.

Nominees for Best Place to Work were Body Alchemy Bodyworks & Massage Studio, Rize and The Daily News. The winner was Body Alchemy Bodyworks & Massage Studio.

Nominees for Large Business of the Year were 41 Lumber and Rize. The winner was 41 Lumber.

The award for Michigan Works! Business of the Year went to G. Brooks Electric.

THE CHAMBER’S NEW BUSINESS of the Year was Dickinson County Title. Accepting the award are Scott and Jessica Zeuske. (Photo provided by The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce)

“We are proud to host our annual awards program, a celebration that stands as a true testament to the dedication, innovation and resilience of our members,” said Suzanne Larson, chamber CEO and executive director. “This event honors the businesses, organizations and individuals who make a lasting impact on our community, driving economic growth and fostering a spirit of collaboration. Their hard work and commitment set the standard for excellence, and we are honored to recognize their achievements. Through this program, we reaffirm our chamber’s mission to support and uplift those who shape the future of our local economy.”

Larson also noted, “An event this size doesn’t happen without our amazing sponsors,” which included those already mentioned as well as these Giveaway sponsors: First Bank; Results Broadcasting; Young’s Golf, Recreation & Dining; Walmart; Body Alchemy Bodyworks & Massage Studio; Joy Waldbillig; Brick & Mortar; Emily Gunville; Forever Friendship Drop In; KCW Home Exteriors; First National Bank & Trust; Erickson Jewelers; Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority; Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson; Pine Mountain Resort; Radio Results Network; Print Blvd; and The Daily News and Advertiser.

Larson gave a “State of the Chamber” address, noting the chamber is very healthy and thriving. The chamber ended the year with 375 members and welcomed 28 new businesses to the organization in 2024. Chamber ambassadors had 22 ribbon cuttings with businesses to celebrate their membership. Ambassador numbers grew, too, with 43 members. Larson thanked all the award nominees and congratulated the winners. “We have much to be thankful for and we have shown that we can thrive in the face of adversity and challenging times,” she said. “But if we stick together, we can achieve greatness. As our motto states, ‘We Are Better Together!'”

THE CHAMBER’S SMALL BUSINESS of the Year was Body Alchemy Bodyworks & Massage Studio. Accepting the award is owner Codell Story. (Photo provided by The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce)

THE MICHIGAN WORKS! Business of the Year was G. Brooks Electric. Accepting the award is Shawn Brooks. (Photo provided by The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce)

THE CHAMBER’S BEST PLACE to Work winner was Body Alchemy Bodyworks & Massage Studio. Accepting the award is owner Codell Story. (Photo provided by The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce)