Bob Hendrickson

The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for our Annual Awards. Nominations can be made online from our Facebook or website www.gincc.org. Deadline is Monday, September 14.

The categories include: Business Person of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year and Organization of the Year.

Business Person of the Year is someone who goes above and beyond for not only their customers or clients, but their employees, coworkers, and community as well.

Volunteer of the Year nominees can be anyone who has given their time to the betterment of their community. (Please note, they do not have to be a GINCC member)

Business of the Year nominees are those who prioritize their community and the impact they make on it. They focus on positive growth, value customer service, and are proud to do business with integrity.

Organization of the Year nominees can be a volunteer group, service group, nonprofit, etc. The Organization of the Year is one who helps improve the quality of life for residents of the West End of Marquette County.

A fifth award, selected internally, is given to the Chamber Member of the Year. This award is selected based on the member’s participation and involvement with GINCC events and activities.

In this challenging year, there are many extraordinary people and business who have gone above and beyond to help our communities and fellow businesses weather the pandemic storm. We are looking forward to reviewing the nominations and expect the decision of awards to be difficult.

This is one celebration that the GINCC is looking forward to and will happen regardless of the situation. The presentation of these awards will be much different than in the past where it took place at our annual dinner. This year expect many changes in how we celebrate.

With the current situation we’ll not be holding an in-person annual dinner, but are working on plans to celebrate the successes of the year. And yes, there has been success although at times it may be hard to recognize through the haze of COVID.

Our office is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. We are still working short staffed and will be out from time to time on chamber business. Please call ahead at 906-486-1111 or email ginccdirector@gmail.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.