East Jordan EMS director Jay Peck was presented the Citizen of the Year award at the Chamber dinner. Peck said it was a joy and blessing to receive the honor. Photo by B.J. Hetler

A full course dinner catered by Grey Gables Restaurant followed a social hour when chamber members and friends mingled. A highlight of the evening was presentation of awards for Citizen of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, the Renaissance and the President's awards.

East Jordan EMS director Jay Peck, made his way to the podium through a standing ovation following the announcement he was chosen Citizen of the Year.

"It's a joy and a blessing to serve in the community that I grew up in,Ó Peck said. He credited volunteers and staff for helping him to do his job. Chamber president Mary Faculak, described Peck as compassionate, professional and a "true leader in the community and on a regional basis.Ó Peck was instrumental in coordinating efforts to aid Hurricane Katrina victims. He regularly volunteers time at the schools and is a Strive program mentor. Peck is greatly respected in Charlevoix and Antrim counties, Faculak said.

Mike Burr was presented with the Ambassador of the Year award. Faculak described Burr as having "boundless energyÓ who through "countless volunteer hours has helped make East Jordan an even better place to live.Ó

Burr said he was honored and responded: "I do it because I love this community.Ó

The Renaissance Award went to Crossroads Resale Shop and was accepted by co-directors Linda Chase and Terri Warnos. Crossroads Resale Shop is the result of efforts by five area churches and is a non-profit organization. The President's Award was given to Marge Teske for her volunteer work in planning and coordinating activities. Jordan River Arts Center benefits from Teske's talents, as well as the chamber, Faculak said.

The crowning of the 2007 Sno-Blast Belle Kathy Froysaao, and Winter Knight Don Masseyk, took place at the chamber event. The annual Sno-Blast was cancelled this year because the area had no snow at the time. The results of another Sno-Blast event, the soup cook-off, were announced. Jordan Inn won first place for the third year in a row.

Second place went to the Grey Gables Restaurant and Murray's Bar and Grill took third place.

More than 100 auction items were on display throughout the evening for a silent and live auction. Donations included a five-day stay at a Lake Charlevoix Accounting and Swan Valley Marina, breakfast for two from Darlene's Restaurant, a glass hand-blown bowl from Jordan Valley Glassworks and a cedar bench glider from Alden Lumber.

The 2007 East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are Chairman Mike Haynes, Vice Chairwoman Emily Welsh, Treasurer Donald Dakoske, Jennifer Aenis, Kathy Moblo, Susan Moreau and Amy Sherman.

Chamber staff includes Carol Galmore and Phyllis Lilak.

This year's chamber annual meeting was sponsored by Castle Farms, East Jordan Iron Works, Inc., East Jordan Plastics, Inc., South Point Collision, Korthase Flinn Insurance & Financial Service, Inc., Charlevoix State Bank, Burnett Foods, Inc. and 3J's Electric.

This year's event had record-breaking attendance, Faculak said. The annual meeting is the chamber's second largest fund raiser, with the largest being membership dues.