Annual Dinner & Citizen of the Year Celebration

January 23, 2025

Presentation and Annual Dinner

The Annual Howell Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner & Citizen of the Year event honors community leaders and spotlights key chamber programs and activities.

This year’s Annual Dinner and Citizen of the Year Presentation will be January 23, 2025

For more information, contact the Howell chamber at 517.546.3920.

EVENING’S ITINERARY
5:00     Doors Open
5:00     Appetizers, Open Bar-Beer & Wine
5:30     Buffet Dinner
6:30     Keynote Speaker & Program
7:30     Citizen of the Year Presentation
7:50     Pictures & Open Networking
8:45     Event Concludes

Rick Scofield, Business of the Year Award Nominees

In honor of Rick Scofield This award recognizes a member or business that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and community involvement over the past year. It celebrates a company’s outstanding performance, impact on the local economy, and dedication to community development. The nominee should be a local business heavily involved in community and/or business organizations demonstrating dedication to community betterment, and cultivation of the next generation of leaders and business owners:

  • Matt and Andrea Dahline, Crosswinds Aviation
  • David Yancho & Ryan Gingery, Armor Protective Packaging
  • David and Barbara Walker, Hartland Insurance

Community Engagement and Philanthropy Award Nominees

This award acknowledges a member, business, or organization that has made a significant contribution to the community through philanthropic activities, volunteer work, or community outreach programs. It highlights a company’s or individual’s commitment to social responsibility and positive impact beyond profit-making.

  • Community Catalysts, Eileen Zilch
  • Heather Aeschliman, Howell Rotarian
  • Bank of Ann Arbor, Patti Griffith and Martin Smith

Employee Engagement Innovator Award Nominees

This award honors a member business that has implemented creative and effective strategies to enhance employee retention. It recognizes initiatives, programs, or policies that go beyond traditional methods, showcasing a commitment to creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. Eligible efforts may include unique professional development opportunities, employee wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, mentorship initiatives, or other innovative approaches that contribute to long-term employee satisfaction and loyalty. This award aims to inspire businesses to think outside the box when it comes to retaining their valuable talent.

  • MS Ultrasonic, Timo Steimer
  • First Impressions Print & Marketing, Don and Sandie Cortez
  • Work Skills Corporation, Tina Jackson

Jacob Brown’s journey from the tough NFL fields to speaking on international stages is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as an experienced entrepreneur, engaging speaker, and recognized writer, he shows the true power of resilience. Beyond his sports achievements, Jacob co-founded Varlo, a leading brand in cycling and triathlon apparel.

As a three-time TEDx speaker, Jacob was named one of the ’40 Under 40′ in 2015. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America. Top brands and institutions like Intel, Meta, LinkedIn, Dallas Cowboys, UPS, Stellantis, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Central Michigan University have been captivated by his talks.

Jacob’s mission goes beyond motivation. He promotes a transformative approach to life, advocating for a mental reset and a shift in perspective to discover one’s true calling. His #FailForward philosophy, shared on LinkedIn, through motivational posts, and in powerful videos, has inspired countless individuals worldwide to turn setbacks into strength.

Above all, Jacob is a devoted family man, loving husband, and proud father of four wonderful children.

Citizen of the Year Award Winners

1957       Dr. Louis May

1958       Paul Baldwin, Jr.

1959       William McPherson IV

1960       Stanley Dickson

1961       Charles Itsell

1962       Clifton Heller

1963       Fred Catrell

1964       Joseph Brady

1965       Robert Withey

1966       Robert Akin

1967       William Ladner

1968       Harold Shippy

1969       William Scofield

1970       Robert M. Reid

1971       Marvin (Mike) Hagman

1972       Hollis Arnold

1973       Albert Latson

1974       Charles Sutton

1975       Berthold Woodhams

1976       Duane Zemper

1977       James Campbell

1978       Joseph Harris

1979       James Young

1980       Richard Slayton

1981       Dr. Roscoe & Darbi Stuber

1982       Roy Westran

1983       Ann Bignell

1984       Louis Anderson

1985       Don & Emily Rhodes

1986       Rick Scofield

1987       Edward McPherson

1988       Audrey Murray

1989       Edward MacDonald

1990       Kenneth Carothers

1991       Michael Yost

1992       Maurice Coles

1993       James & Caroline Barley

1994       Barbara D. Draper

1995       Paul Streng

1996       Brian MacDonald

1997       David Jonckheere

1998       Ed Doane

1999       Susan Grimes Munsell

2000       Paul F. Rogers

2001       Lee Reeves

2002       Gregory Clum

2003       Dennis Gehringer

2004       Vic Lopez

2005       John Howell

2006       Mike Hall

2007       Jeanne Clum

2008       Don & Sandie Cortez

2009       Peter Bowen & Charlotte Swann

2010       Kim Dane

2011       Steve Manor

2012       Kathleen Zaenger

2013       Brent Earl

2014       Mike Murphy

2015       Brian Jonckheere

2016       Patti Griffith

2017       Pat Convery

2018       Carol Griffith

2019       Harry Griffith

2020       Erin MacGregor

2021       Nick Proctor

2022      George Moses

2023      Richard Lim