GAYLORD -- Hogan's Jewelers and the proprietors of Brennan's Up North coffee shop were among the businesses recognized at the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet on Feb. 26.

Hogan's on Main Street won the Gordon G. Everett Bell Tower Award. The Golden Pineapple Award went to Rafi's Hibachi & Sushi Bar on Main Street. The Daune Weiss Memorial Businessperson of the Year Award was won by Patti and Ryan Kennedy of Brennan's Up North. The You Made it Happen Award was given to the Veterans Community Park Playscape Committee. All four awards were voted on by chamber members.

The Patti Dobrzelewki Volunteer of the Year Award went to Donna Stubenvoll of Real Estate One, while the Ambassador of the Year Award was won by Heather Appold from the Kirtland Community Foundation. Chad McDonald of Gaylord E-Free Church was given the Chairperson's Award.

"Our annual awards celebration is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses dedicated to making a difference in our community," said chamber executive director Paul Gunderson in a statement. "These awards reflect the chamber's mission of building business and community, and we are grateful for every nominee's commitment to this goal."

The festivities featured a sendoff from past chair Kevin McKinley of First Tee of Northern Michigan and a welcome to the new chair, Amanda Apitz of State Savings Bank.

-- Contact Paul Welitzkin at [email protected].