“It was so nice to see so many people come out to support their fellow businesses and get together for a fun evening,” Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Larson said, adding, “and I appreciated all of the businesses that supported our event, namely Boss Snowplow.”

The 2021 award winners were:

— Small Business of the Year: Stephens Real Estate.

— New Business of the Year: Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts.

The chamber's 2021 Best New Business Award went to Dulce Nulla Gourmet Desserts and owner Melissa Boyles, left.

— Large Business of the Year: First National Bank & Trust.

— Distinguished Member of the Year: Trisha Peterson, Results Broadcasting.

— Best Non-Profit: Habitat for Humanity.

— Best Place to Work: Bellin Health

— Ambassador of the Year: Anne LaBelle

The chamber's 2021 Large Business of the Year Award winner was First National Bank & Trust. From left are Matt Donovan, Diane Blaskowski, Lisa Villringer, Jean O’Dette, chamber Executive Director Suzanne Larson and Jake Hogberg.

— Michigan Works Business of the Year: Systems Control.

Many prizes were given out from sponsors such as Advanta Print, Anytime Fitness, Beaulier Buildings, Bimbo’s Wine Press, Boss Snowplow, Cedar’s Edge Wine & Gifts, Crispigna’s Italian Market, Dickinson County Healthcare System, Denim Hearts, Dulce Nulla, Erickson Jewelers, Gerber Collision & Glass, Hometowne Lumber, Local TV3, Lume Cannabis Company, Northern RV, Oak Crest Golf Club, Radio Results Network, Rize UP, Step Ahead, The Good Earth Salon and Walmart.

Larson thanks all the sponsors and donors, noting the event would not have been what it was without their help. She also thanked her committee: Mindy Wittock, Mark Sertich and Jill Mondloch.

In addition, Larson provided a “State of the Chamber” address at the event, reporting the chamber is healthy at 405 members and growing. Other highlights from 2021 included hosting 25 ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new chamber members.

She updated attendees that $32,400 in Chamber Cash had been purchased by community members and businesses looking to support buying local. That’s 3,140 Chamber Cash certificates redeemed back to chamber member businesses.

The chamber's 2021 Distinguished Member Award went to Trisha Peterson, left, of Results Broadcasting.

“We have a lot to be thankful for this year and we’ve showed that we can be resilient as we navigate new waters,” Larson said. “But if we work together, we can achieve greatness. As our motto states, ‘We Are Better Together!'”

The chamber's 2021 Best Non-Profit Award went to Habitat for Humanity and Executive Director Nancy Pellegrini, left.

The chamber's 2021 Best Place to Work Award winner was Bellin Health. From left are Mary Tuomela, business service coordinator, and Julia Berglund, nurse practitioner, with the chamber's Suzanne Larson.

The chamber's 2021 Ambassador of the Year Award went to Anne LaBelle, left.

The chamber's 2021 Michigan Works Business of the Year winner was Systems Control. From left are Carmen Frank, Michigan Works; Nikki Bowers and Bridget Kennedy, Systems Control; and Sarah Micheau, Michigan Works.