BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2026 ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Annabelle Schweiger, Marketing and Communications Manager

Annabelle@baycityarea.com

989.893.4567

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 16, 2026

BAY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2026 ANNUAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

BAY CITY, MI – The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recipients of its prestigious Annual Awards for the year 2026. These awards honor individuals and businesses who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, contributions, and commitment to the community and the advancement of the Bay Area.

Each award recipient was selected after careful consideration by a committee of community leaders and representatives from the Chamber.

The Bay Area Chamber Annual Award recipients for 2026 are as follows:

• Ambassador of the Year – David Neal, BT Technologies
• ATHENA – Lori Carroll, Harbour Light Photography
• Business Hall of Fame – Bill Woolwine, Serenus Johnson Construction
• Energize YPN – Madelyn Paten, The Jerky Outlet
• Heart of the Chamber – Saginaw Valley State University
• Leadership Bay County Alumni Community Service – Ali Smith, Ayre Rhinehart Bay Realtors & The ROCK Center for Youth Development
• Non-Profit Achievement Award - Bay Area Community Foundation
• Small Business Excellence Award - Weinlander Fitzhugh

“It’s a privilege to recognize the businesses and leaders who continually invest their time, talent, and resources into making our region stronger,” said Magen Samyn, President & CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. “Their leadership fuels innovation, creates opportunity, and helps ensure our community remains a great place to live, work, and do business.”

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce will officially recognize and celebrate the award recipients at their 143rd Annual Meeting scheduled to take place on March 19 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City- Riverfront. This event will be an opportunity for the community to come together and show appreciation for these exemplary leaders and organizations.

For more information about the 143rd Annual Meeting and to register, please visit the Chamber website.

About The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1882, is a private, non-profit business organization with nearly 800 members that provides programs to assist local businesses grow and prosper. The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce joins area businesses and the community for the economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area.