ESCANABA — The Delta County Chamber of Commerce is finalizing plans for the October 10th Annual Dinner. This is always a special time as it allows us to reflect on the positive activities and accomplishments of the past year. While I can’t cover every event from 2024, I’d like to highlight some of our key moments.
We kicked off the year with the Delta Force Leadership Reconnaissance Mission, where we had the pleasure of working with 21 emerging leaders from Delta County. These individuals committed to becoming more engaged in community affairs, spending the year learning from experienced leaders, and using the entire community as their classroom.
The annual Fire and Ice mid-winter fundraising gala was held in February. If the overwhelmingly positive comments and attitude of our guests were an indication, I’d say that the event was a success. Our guests were ready to have a good time, and it showed. From the time they arrived, the atmosphere was alive with excitement. Guests enjoyed fine dining, entertainment, dancing, and thrilling giveaways. By the end of the evening, over $30,000 in door prizes, raffles, and auction items were awarded. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, generosity, and unwavering support of our members, sponsors, volunteers, board and team members.
The ever-popular Business After Hours, sponsored by Chamber members, continued to thrive, with many Chamber members attending each month. This event offers a perfect blend of networking and socializing for the business community.
In June, we hosted a successful Chamber Golf Outing at the Escanaba Country Club. The 31st annual event was sold out with 36 teams. Sponsors were very generous, and golfers seemed anxious to hit the links for the first charitable golf outing of the season.
Our waterfront community welcomed Pearl Seas Cruise Ship passengers twice this summer. The Chamber arranged a Key to the City presentation by Escanaba Mayor Mark Ammel, a musical welcome by the City Band, and coordinated all shore visits, resulting in a very positive response from the cruise line and guests. We believe that because of the positive community engagement, Victory Cruise Lines plans to “Dock in the Noc” more than 30 times in 2025.
We once again received a fantastic response from volunteers who signed up to help with the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass, often referred to as the LPGA. With over 300 volunteer positions filled, the 2024 tournament was an official U.S. qualifier for the Evian Championship in France. The enthusiasm of our volunteers motivates us to continue showcasing the Upper Peninsula as a special location for world-class events.
The U.P. State Fair Authority, Management Agency, and nearly 100,000 guests celebrated the 96th annual U.P. State Fair. The U.P. State Fair Authority renewed its management agreement with the Chamber, and we look forward to continued growth and improvement in the years to come.
Chamber member restaurants hosted “Lunch with the Lt. Governor” during the U.P. State Fair in August. This was Lt. Governor Gilchrist’s first visit to the fair. I’m sure he was impressed with the banquet sponsored by our members that was served by the Ambassadors and the attentive audience as guests listened to his presentation about State affairs.
Throughout the year, the Chamber of Commerce proudly supported the Centennial Season of the Escanaba City Band. Like last year, we will incorporate a musical theme at the annual dinner as we celebrate the band’s 100th anniversary.
Please join us on October 10th as we honor the achievements of those who continue to build and strengthen our waterfront community.
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Vickie Micheau is executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce