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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER

Celebrating Community Leadership

ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF EVERY YEAR FOR ME is the celebration at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s
(LRCC) Annual Dinner. The 108th Annual Dinner, held on Feb. 27 was a festive occasion filled with lots of great business
networking and a recognition of the many successes we’ve enjoyed in this region over the past year.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of some outstanding community leaders and organizations who were
honored with the LRCC’s Community Service, Outstanding Small Business, Chamber Legacy and Community Impact
Awards.

Kelli Ellsworth Etchison was a most worthy recipient of the Community Service Award. Kelli is a true community servant
who uses her position as the chief marketing officer at LAFCU to promote educational initiatives and opportunities for
TIM DAMAN women, high school seniors and military-affiliated students of all ages. She has also given generously of her own time to
President and CEO numerous causes with which she has been affiliated throughout her career.
Lansing Regional
Chamber of Commerce Recipient of the Outstanding Small
Business Award, Amanda Hayhoe-Kruger “I am very grateful for each of these leaders and organizations
is a third-generation owner who has taken
Hayhoe Asphalt to a new level, pioneering and what they have meant to our region. It is rewarding to
innovation in their industry, and in doing recognize and celebrate them. It is also exciting to look forward
so, setting a standard to which other
businesses should aspire. Likewise, the to more great things to come!”
Christman Company, a proud Chamber
member for more than six decades and recipient of the Chamber Legacy Award, is recognized nationally for its leadership
and innovation in the commercial construction industry.

I am most proud of the work done by the Capital Region Community Foundation in providing leadership in the placemaking
arena, which led to the construction of Rotary Park on the downtown riverfront and the honor of receiving the Community
Impact Award. It is exciting to know of future projects already on the drawing board under the Community Foundation’s
leadership that will further enhance the quality of life in the riverfront area.

Looking ahead, the month of March is Women’s History Month, which LRCC will recognize in a couple of ways. First, a
special Economic Club program on March 19 will feature a women business leadership panel moderated by Cameo King,
CEO, Good Girl Radio, founder & president, Grit, Glam and Guts and a past recipient of the 10 Over the Next Ten Award.
Prominent panelists include Paula Cunningham, AARP Michigan, Rachelle Neal, Capitol Research Services and Marianne
Samper, Michigan Department of Corrections. All three are most notably, past recipients of the ATHENA Leadership Award.

Finally, in March we celebrate the ATHENA Awards Luncheon on March 24 and will honor our 2019 ATHENA
Leadership Award recipient, Karen Grannemann, CEO and general manager of the MSU University Club. Karen is the
epitome of what the ATHENA Leadership Award is all about as a successful business leader, community servant and
mentor to other women.

I am very grateful for each of these leaders and organizations and what they have meant to our region. It is rewarding to
recognize and celebrate them. It is also exciting to look forward to more great things to come! n

JOIN THE

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

TRANSPORTATION Leadership Circle members are proven
business and community leaders. We
value their commitment and applaud
their efforts to strengthen our region
WASTE SERVICES
with their leadership and appreciate
the important role they play in
advancing our organization.

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