Samantha LaJeunesse, executive director, GINCC

ISHPEMING — I’ve often been told by visitors that our area has some of the nicest people who live here.

Even the comedian Charlie Berens from Wisconsin has skits about Yoopers who have someone accidently bump into them apologize for being in the way.

I take a lot of pride in our community for earning this reputation. Since moving to the West End of Marquette County, I really see this quality in our citizens and businesses.

Each year, the Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Area Chamber of Comerce celebrates these community members at our annual gala.

This year will be no different. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, Business Person of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.

These are people that go above and beyond for their community, customers and other businesses.

Perhaps Toivo from down the road spends countless hours volunteering at the hospital directing patients to their destinations.

Maybe one of our friendly realtors spent countless hours making sure you got everything you wanted in your dream home.

Or maybe there is an organization that is near and dear to your heart or spends a lot of time developing great resources and supporting our towns. These are the people and places we want to hear about.

The GINCC can’t do this on our own. We want your input and suggestions. Hearing stories about these people not only lightens my day, but it reiterates the beauty of living in a small town. So please, write about your favorite business.

Tell me a great story about the customer service you’ve received. Let’s honor those special souls who go out of their way to put a smile on our faces.

We will be taking entries through our website, gincc.org, through Sept. 10. It’s very easy to do. Once you are on our homepage, you can scroll to the bottom and look for the section about “Community Awards.”

The button will lead you to a short form where you input your selection. As I mentioned before, feel free to share a story or describe exactly why you feel the organization, business, or person deserves this award.

You can nominate for as many or as few categories as you would like. After Sept. 10, all of our nominations will be reviewed and the winners will be selected and honored at our “Murder at the Mather” Gala in October.

I look forward to reading and learning more about those in this community. Thank you for your help!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Samantha LaJeunesse is the executive director the GINCC. She currently resides in Ishpeming with her boyfriend, Curt, and their fur babies, Beaver, Shadow, and Bowser. Sam enjoys golf, crafting, and music in her spare time.