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Celebration of Champions
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Join us for the 34th Annual Celebration of Champions on Wednesday, December 3rd, at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals and businesses that shape the vitality of our region.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and a strolling dinner featuring culinary delights from The Perry Hotel, NOMAD., Maple + Batter, Brandy’s Harbortown, Birdies Tavern, Little Bay Gourmet, Petoskey Cheese, Barrel Back Restaurant, Walloon Lake Inn, and more. The awards program begins at 7:00 p.m.
Each year, this signature event brings our business and community leaders together to celebrate the innovation, dedication, and collaboration that make Northern Michigan thrive.
Honors presented throughout the evening include the Chairman’s Award, ATHENA Award, Thriving Petoskey Award, Service Effect Award, Entrepreneur of the Year, Architectural Excellence Awards, and the Ambassador of the Year.
Tickets are $40 per person. Business cocktail attire is encouraged.
Join us as we celebrate achievement, leadership, and the enduring spirit of community that defines the Petoskey region. -
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About the Awards
Chairman’s Award: presented for long-standing significant impact on the community.
Athena Award: recognizes a person who celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community.
Sponsored By: Dave Kring ChevroletMarty Van De Car Inclusivity Award: Honors an individual, business, or organization in our community that breaks down barriers and fosters change to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all.
Sponsored By: Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community FoundationThriving Petoskey Award: Honors an individual, business, or organization that exemplifies innovative practices, enhancing Petoskey’s livability and workplace culture. This award highlights those who intentionally focus on being a workplace of choice to foster a strong, vibrant community.
Sponsored By: McLaren – Northern Michigan, The Harbor Brenn Insurance Agencies, DTE Energy, and First Community Bank.
Service Effect Award: Presented to a business or individual for delivering an exceptional and memorable experience, demonstrating remarkable hospitality, and fostering a culture of outstanding service to all. This award honors those who enhance the Northern Michigan community by consistently going above and beyond to set new standards of excellence.
Sponsored By: Perry Hotel
Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Presented to honor an entrepreneur who is helping to enhance the local community through business growth.
Sponsored By: Huntington Bank
Ambassador of the Year Award: Presented to a member of the Ambassador Committee who enthusiastically promotes the chamber and its programs.
Sponsored By: PNC Bank
Ron Foeller Community Enthusiast: Presented to honor a local citizen whose dedication and collaboration exemplify their passionate support for our community, either in their professional or personal endeavors.
Sponsored By: Bill’s Farm Market and The Home DepotArchitectural - Project of the Year Award
Presented to recognize a project that exemplifies excellence in beautification, innovative design, and a meaningful investment in the character of our community. Whether new or revitalized, this project is honored for its lasting positive impact.Sponsored By: Preston Feather Building Centers
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Nominate someone for The ATHENA Award, sponsored again this year by Dave Kring Chevrolet, celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 5pm, NOVEMEBER 3, 2025Download .pdf version of the ATHENA Award Nomination here
Download Word version of the ATHENA Award Nomination here
Download the ATHENA Award Nomination Guidelines Here - helpful tips and tricks for completing a nomination.
RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO: Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, 401 E. Mitchell, Petoskey, MI 49770 email lisa@petoskeychamber.com
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Watch the 2024 Celebration of Champions
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2024 Award Winners
Chairman's Award: The Manna Food Project
Athena Award: Jennifer Wixson
Marty Van De Car Inclusivity Award: Eric Hemenway
Thriving Petoskey Award: Klepadlo, Winnell, Nuorala, P.C
The Service Effect Award: Ross Restaurant Group
Entrepreneur of the Year: SludgeHammer Group
Ron Foeller Community Enthusiast Award: David "D.J" Jones
Ambassador of the Year: Andrea Koch, Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan
Project of the Year Award Winners:
Project of the Year Award Winner - Citizens National Bank
Project of the Year Honorable Mention - Elder Piper Beer & Cider
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2025 Reception Sponsor
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2025 Venue Sponsor
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Registration Sponsor
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Award History
View past award winners for Celebration of Champions (Breakfast for Champions)