Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance holds 79th annual banquet and Meeting of the Membership

MT. PLEASANT - The business community of Mt. Pleasant gathered to celebrate a successful 2019 and began looking to the year ahead at Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance's annual Chamber banquet and Meeting of the Membership held last Thursday at the Airport Road Vineyard and Winery.

During the meeting portion, 2019 board President Dave George, officially handed off the gavel to 2020 president Chad Sloat.

'You've been an outstanding supporter of the Chamber and great leader this past year,” Sloat said to George before addressing the Chamber members about what he hopes to accomplish in the year ahead.

Sloat highlighted workforce and child care as two focal issues that he hopes to continue to move forward with, including the recruitment program Avance USA.

'Two of our local businesses, Lomont Molding and Henry County Health Center, are already working with Avance USA to recruit employees from Puerto Rico. We cannot wait to welcome those families to Mt. Pleasant,” Sloat highlighted.

Sloat also revealed the Chamber is part of a new community task force looking for solutions for child care challenges.

'Now, for my own personal goal in this next year as president, and that is to be available, approachable and visible in the business community and community general,” Sloat said, adding that he hopes to continue to get to know Mt. Pleasant through leading the chamber.

Following Sloat's address, Steve Brimhall, the mayor of Mt. Pleasant presented the Area Development Commission's Expansion Awards to businesses in the community that have expanded their business or business size in number of employees or significant capital investments

'This year, the city has issued 92 building permits, totaling $10.4 million in valuation. And that's for the commercial and industrial side,” Brimhall said.

The mayor highlighted significant expansions and developments including the local Walmart's $1.3 million remodel project, the $9 million construction of Henry County's new jail and the beginnings of Burlington Shoreline Railroad's construction for a new transload facility in the Industrial Park.

Four businesses were recognized for their capital investments in the community, including Becks Superior Hybrids, Cornerstone Building Products, Robin Run Housing and Walmart Supercenter.

Following the Expansion Awards, Main Street Mt. Pleasant board of directors president, Ray Vens presented Main Street's Leadership Award to Lisa Oetken, the director of Main Street.

Vens highlighted Oetken's countless hours of work and dedication to the Chamber and Main Street.

'Everybody knows that when you see Lisa out and about, you get the rest of the Oetken family. There's no denying they are dedicated Main Street, they are dedicated to Mt. Pleasant. You're dedicated to the Chamber of Commerce and there's no replacing you. We love you,” Vens said.

To cap off the evening, the chamber's executive vice president, Kristi Ray made remarks, thanking the evenings sponsors and the Chamber of Commerce's trustees for 2020. Ray also acknowledged chamber staff members Timber Haschermeyer and Mikayla Maebus as they prepared to move on from the association.

After her general remarks, Ray announced the recipients of several awards. Jennifer Wharton, vice president of Wayland State Bank, was recognized as the Chamber Ambassador of the Year. Ray pointed out that Wharton is the first woman to receive the award for her efforts as part of 'the welcoming arm of the Chamber.”

Ray also name the recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award, which went to Mark Hempen, and the Citizen of the Year Award, which went to Mary Elgar.

'Thank you to Lisa and Mary for all that they have done and all our award winners tonight. It's an absolute pleasure for me to get to serve as your executive vice president,” Ray said at the conclusion of the meeting.