Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Press Release - Come celebrate Lake Havasu – Business Country

Come celebrate Lake Havasu – Business Country


The premier event of the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce is just around the corner again – the 39th Annual Meeting and Celebration of Business on Friday, June 15 at 6 p.m. at Shugrue’s Bridgeview Room.

This year’s theme: Lake Havasu is Business Country.”

The highlight of the evening has always been the presentation of annual awards, recognizing the positive community, volunteer and business achievements of people and businesses, of Chamber and non-Chamber members.

The meeting also includes an opportunity for the chairman of the board to assume responsibilities of a one-year term, and this year it’s Tom Otero, owner of Mohave Electric, as Nancy Darrow steps aside. Nancy is Sterilite Corporation’s administrative manager.

The meeting reviews the accomplishments of the past year and outlines the goals for the coming year. New board members will be introduced, and outgoing board members will be recognized and thanked for their work.

The Western country theme will play out through the entertainment and menu, with a country band and a food that will include steak and barbecue – all-American food – and cherry pie with ice cream. Tickets are $40 in advance General Admission and $30 in advance for Chamber members.

The Presenting Sponsor is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, with Silver Sponsors D.L. Campbell Co., Partnership for Economic Development, Unisource and Mohave State Bank.

THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE…

Two of the eight awards to be presented in June are new to the program, Outstanding Youth Professional and Youth Leader of the Year, as the Chamber annually reviews and amends its honors to reflect the times.

Six others are familiar: Community Development and Improvement; Chamber Volunteer of the Year; Citizen of the Year; Chamber Business of the Year; Havasu Booster; and the Whelan Leadership Award.

The 2012 Nomination Form is available from the Kathy Tippett at the Chamber Office, and the deadline for submittal it is June 6.

THE CATEGORIES ARE…

• Community Development & Improvement: This recognizes the development and improvement of real property in the city, and it can go to an organization, as it did to the Lake Havasu Marine Association which spearheaded the cleanup of the lake following the carp die off three years ago.

• Chamber Volunteer of the Year: This award goes to a Chamber member for exemplary volunteer service in the past year.

• Citizen of the Year: This goes to a local person who has made an outstanding contribution in service or leadership in the community, and nominees need not be Chamber members. This person also serves as the Grand Marshal of the London Bridge Days Grande Parade.

• Chamber Business of the Year: To a Chamber member business that has made an outstanding contribution to the growth and stability of the organization in the past year.

• Havasu Booster: Nominees need not be Chamber members, and they can include a community volunteer, organization or business that has boosted business, morale and community development in the past 12 months.

• Whelan Leadership Award: Named for the late owner of Campbell Boats, Mayor of the City and former Chamber board chairman, Bob Whelan, this goes to a graduate of the Havasu Leadership Development Program – any year – who has successfully used the training and skills of the program to make a difference with an employer, organization or within the Lake Havasu area community.

• Outstanding Youth Professional: A new award, this goes to an emerging leader who exemplifies excellence, integrity, and initiative in a profession and provides service, time, resources and energy to improve the quality of life for others. Nominees would be role models for others in business. While there is no specific age limit, the range would likely be between 21 and 40, at last college age, and with a chosen career path. Chamber membership is not requirement.

• Youth Leader of the Year: This is a revision of the traditional Student of the Year Award. It recognizes an outstanding student at a local high school college or vo-ed training center, ages 16-21, who demonstrates academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship. Candidates much be involved in extra-curricular and/or volunteer activities at school, church or community groups and be a role model for fellow students and citizens, showing integrity and good judgment.

• Ambassador of the Year: This award is presented to the Ambassador who goes above and beyond to help the chamber with membership recruitment and retention.

For more information or details please contact the Chamber at 928-855-4115 or visit http://www.havasuchamber.com/