2022 is here and our Board of Directors, both new and returning, are ready to lead the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce into another successful year.

We have an exceptional slate of officers returning this year. Rich Houtteman of Consumers Energy will continue to serve as the Chairman, Brent Raeth of CatchMark Technologies will newly serve as Vice-Chairman, and Jolene Maressa of Shelby State Bank will continue on as Treasurer. As they conclude their six years (2-three year terms) of service, we acknowledge Dee Briegel, Trezelle Jenkins, and Lisa Stafford. We are grateful for their years of service and dedication. Additionally, we welcome aboard our newest Board Members, Todd Kraai of Rivers Ace Hardware, Erin Peyer of the ACWL Nuveen Center, and Susan Philips of Howmet Aerospace. For a complete list of Board Members and Staff, click here.

As the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated our 50^th years of service, we were pleased to announce the recipients of the Legacy Award; “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, Lady Laker Award, and the El Award at our 2021 Annual Dinner, held at Double JJ resort in October. DTE was the generous Premier Sponsor. CatchMark Technologies, Double JJ Resort, White Lake Beacon, and Winberg Construction were the Gold Sponsors. Bronze Sponsors were All Smiles Travel and PNC Bank.

The Legacy Award recognizes a person or business demonstrating 10 or more years of contributions to the betterment and quality of life in the White Lake Area with a track record of business health and growth, community involvement, and a collaborative spirit. The award is nominated by Chamber members and sponsored by Sharon and Dennis Blankenship. This year’s award went to Don and Becky Nordland of Pitkin Drug & Gift Shoppe, Pitkin Sale Shopee, and Posh by Pitkin.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes a new or existing business whose extraordinary vision and efforts have helped to enhance the local economy. Nominations and voting are determined and selected by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and sponsored by Deb and Dave Hays. The Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to CatchMark Technologies located in Whitehall.

The Lady Laker award recognizes an individual within the community who has served in an exceptional manner, especially in mentoring and assisting future leaders in the White Lake Area. Nominations are submitted to a committee of past recipients and then voted upon. Don Rypma of Rypma Chevrolet, Buick, GMC is the sponsor for this award. Congratulations goes to Beth Beaman, Managing Director for the Playhouse at White Lake, as this year’s recipient.

The El Award recognizes an outstanding local person and is in memory of the late Eleanor Polley, a former director to the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. The recipient of this award is an individual who has been influential in the community and has been affiliated with various organizations, involved in local efforts, and is connected with the business community. Nominations were submitted to a committee of past recipients and then voted upon. Pitkin Drug & Gift Shoppe and Shelby State Bank are the sponsors of this award. Congratulations go to community member, George Byam, this year’s recipient.

Honorary Anniversary Celebrations, sponsored by Scheid Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling went to: Lighthouse Title Group for 20 years, Winberg Construction for 25 years, Crosswinds Marine Service for 35 years, Hunt’s Hardware for 75 years, Shelby State Bank for 90 years, and The Playhouse at White Lake for 105 years.

After most events were cancelled or postponed in 2020, we are happy to report that almost all events were brought back in 2021. None of these events would have been made possible without our amazing community of members and businesses who supported us. Our events are able to take place year after year because of our sponsors, and we are so thankful for each and every one of you. If you are interested in 2022 sponsorship opportunities, email Stephanie.

Gold: Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Shoreline Restoration. Silver: Boardwell Mechanical Services, Rant Insurance Group. Bronze: MasterTag, REMAX by the Water, White Lake Assisted Living, White Lake Beacon.

Title: Don Rypma Chevrolet Buick GMC. Gold: Aludyne, Boardwell Mechanical Services, Complete Restoration, HarborLight Credit Union, Howmet Aerospace, Hunts Hardware, MasterTag, Rant Insurance Group, Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Gold: HarborLight Credit Union, Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Silver: Aludyne. Bronze: Coldwell Banker Woodland-Schmidt, MasterTag

Title: REMAX by the Water

Event: Hunts Hardware. Gold: Coldwell Banker Woodland-Schmidt. Silver: ATA National Title Group, Caliber Home Loans, Durga Insurance Group, Manpower. Photo: Gales and Shelby State Bank.

Gold: Boardwell Mechanical Services. Silver: Rant Insurance Group, Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling.

Gold: Consumers Energy. Silver: Boardwell Mechanical Services, Durga Insurance Group, Rant Insurance Group, Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Bronze: Caliber Home Loans, MasterTag, Shelby State Bank.

Title: Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling.

Premiere: DTE Energy. Gold: CatchMark Technologies, Double JJ, White Lake Beacon, Winberg Construction. Silver: Dennis & Sharon Blankenship, Dave & Deb Hays, Don Rypma Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pitkin Drug, Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Shelby State Bank. Bronze: All Smiles Travel Agency, PNC Bank.

Gold: Scheid Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Shelby State Bank. Silver: White Lake Beacon. Bronze: Boardwell Mechanical Services, Rant Insurance Group.

Event: Shepherd & Shepherd PC. Santa: Lighthouse Title Group.