• Celebration of Champions

  • 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 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 Chevrolet

    Marty 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 Foundation

    Thriving 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 Depot

    Architectural - 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



  • 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, 2025

    Download .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

  • 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 2025 Reception Sponsor

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  • 2025 Supporting Sponsors 2025 Supporting Sponsors


     

     

  • Registration Sponsor Registration Sponsor

  • Award History Award History

    View past award winners for Celebration of Champions (Breakfast for Champions)

    Celebration of Champions Awards History


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