The purpose of the Lakewood Area Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership for the promotion and advancement of economic growth and the quality of life for the Lakewood area. The Lakewood Area Chamber is comprised of businesses within the Lakewood School District to include Clarksville, Lake Odessa, Sunfield, Woodland and Freeport.
Chamber News & Events
Congratulations to all of the Chamber Award Nominees & Winners
The Community Leadership Award was given to an individual who has exhibited a high degree of community interaction. This person has placed a priority in improving the business welfare and quality of life in the Lakewood Area. This individual has distinguished him/herself through involvement in community events and projects, consistent selfless initiative, motivation and above all, leadership in action. This person devotes time and energy to the community and encourages others to succeed.
Nominees were Marilyn Danielson with First Congregational Church of Lake Odessa, Pam Swiler with the Ionia County Genealogical Society and Lakewood Lions, Nancy Mattson with the Lake Odessa Arts Commission and Lake Odessa Fair Board, Jen Salgat with the Lake Odessa Community Library, and Carrie Johnson with the Lake Odessa Village Council and the Lake Odessa Arts Commission. Jen Salgat was the recipient of the award.
Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to a business person who organizes and takes on the risks of a new business endeavor that is difficult, innovative, or risky. This person manages and is fully responsible for the success or failure of the business venture.
Nominees were Jason Parks with the Studios on 4th, Valeri Neeb with the Rusted Poppy, and Tabitha Yonkers with Tabby’s Chop Shop. Valeri Neeb received the award.
The Customer Service Award was presented to a person who makes service excellence a top priority. The recipient exemplifies high standards and gives priority to each customer by listening, enthusiastically meeting the needs of the customer and providing follow up as needed. This person provides an experience that is above the expected level for their type of business.
Nominees included Kim Leadbetter with Jordan Lake Florals & Interiors, Derrick McCaley with Buddy’s on the Beach, Jessica Hansen with the Lake Odessa Pharmacy, Craig Neeb with APEC, and Chris Coddaire with PFCU. The award went to Derrick McCaley.
The Construction Refurbishment Award was presented to a business within the Lakewood Area that has made significant improvements in the facilities or infrastructure of their operation within the past 12 months.
Nominees were Tabby's Chop Shop, the Studios on 4th, PFCU, Rustic Love, Bellabay Realty, Conrad’s Car Wash, and The Rusted Poppy. The Studios on 4th took home the award.
The Rising Leader Award was awarded to an individual, 35 years of age or younger, who demonstrates growing excellence, creativity and initiative in their professional field. This person is engaged in the community and shows a strong commitment to good business practices and serves as a role model for other young professionals both personally and professionally.
Nominees were James Leadbetter with Big Mitten Solutions and Always in Motion, Gage Dye with Big Mitten Solutions, and Alli Smith with Olive & Oak Hair Lounge. Alli Smith was the winner.
The Non-Profit Organization of the Year was presented to an organization with excellent management practices which enable effectively achieving their mission. Their programs make a difference in the lives of those they serve and produce positive outcomes. Their values, leadership and contributions make the Lakewood Area a better place to live.
Our nominees were Corewell Health Family Medicine - Lake Odessa, the Lake Odessa Community Library, Alpha Care Center, Central United Methodist Church, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, and the Ionia Montcalm Secure & Friendly Environment Child Advocacy Center. Mike Forton with the Lake Odessa Community Library proudly accepted the award.
The last award honored was the President’s award. This award is discretionary and this year it was given to someone who could have easily been the recipient of the Community Leadership Award,
Customer Service Award, and the Non-Profit Organization Award. The winner was Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson with First Congregational Church of Lake Odessa.
Volunteerism, Vision and Mission are a way of living for Marilyn. She donates not only time, but coordinates charity projects for those in need, as well as hands on contributions of time and energy. From Serving dinners, to building a parade float, she is willing to wave from the float for a good cause and will even dress in costume to offer joy to children of all ages. Always willing to help someone in need to get to a medical appointment or offering a kind ear and words of support. All of this while serving on multiple volunteer committees in the community, maintaining a full-time job and offering time to the Chamber.
Please visit our "Photos & News" tab for pictures of the event.
Nominees were Marilyn Danielson with First Congregational Church of Lake Odessa, Pam Swiler with the Ionia County Genealogical Society and Lakewood Lions, Nancy Mattson with the Lake Odessa Arts Commission and Lake Odessa Fair Board, Jen Salgat with the Lake Odessa Community Library, and Carrie Johnson with the Lake Odessa Village Council and the Lake Odessa Arts Commission. Jen Salgat was the recipient of the award.
Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to a business person who organizes and takes on the risks of a new business endeavor that is difficult, innovative, or risky. This person manages and is fully responsible for the success or failure of the business venture.
Nominees were Jason Parks with the Studios on 4th, Valeri Neeb with the Rusted Poppy, and Tabitha Yonkers with Tabby’s Chop Shop. Valeri Neeb received the award.
The Customer Service Award was presented to a person who makes service excellence a top priority. The recipient exemplifies high standards and gives priority to each customer by listening, enthusiastically meeting the needs of the customer and providing follow up as needed. This person provides an experience that is above the expected level for their type of business.
Nominees included Kim Leadbetter with Jordan Lake Florals & Interiors, Derrick McCaley with Buddy’s on the Beach, Jessica Hansen with the Lake Odessa Pharmacy, Craig Neeb with APEC, and Chris Coddaire with PFCU. The award went to Derrick McCaley.
The Construction Refurbishment Award was presented to a business within the Lakewood Area that has made significant improvements in the facilities or infrastructure of their operation within the past 12 months.
Nominees were Tabby's Chop Shop, the Studios on 4th, PFCU, Rustic Love, Bellabay Realty, Conrad’s Car Wash, and The Rusted Poppy. The Studios on 4th took home the award.
The Rising Leader Award was awarded to an individual, 35 years of age or younger, who demonstrates growing excellence, creativity and initiative in their professional field. This person is engaged in the community and shows a strong commitment to good business practices and serves as a role model for other young professionals both personally and professionally.
Nominees were James Leadbetter with Big Mitten Solutions and Always in Motion, Gage Dye with Big Mitten Solutions, and Alli Smith with Olive & Oak Hair Lounge. Alli Smith was the winner.
The Non-Profit Organization of the Year was presented to an organization with excellent management practices which enable effectively achieving their mission. Their programs make a difference in the lives of those they serve and produce positive outcomes. Their values, leadership and contributions make the Lakewood Area a better place to live.
Our nominees were Corewell Health Family Medicine - Lake Odessa, the Lake Odessa Community Library, Alpha Care Center, Central United Methodist Church, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, and the Ionia Montcalm Secure & Friendly Environment Child Advocacy Center. Mike Forton with the Lake Odessa Community Library proudly accepted the award.
The last award honored was the President’s award. This award is discretionary and this year it was given to someone who could have easily been the recipient of the Community Leadership Award,
Customer Service Award, and the Non-Profit Organization Award. The winner was Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson with First Congregational Church of Lake Odessa.
Volunteerism, Vision and Mission are a way of living for Marilyn. She donates not only time, but coordinates charity projects for those in need, as well as hands on contributions of time and energy. From Serving dinners, to building a parade float, she is willing to wave from the float for a good cause and will even dress in costume to offer joy to children of all ages. Always willing to help someone in need to get to a medical appointment or offering a kind ear and words of support. All of this while serving on multiple volunteer committees in the community, maintaining a full-time job and offering time to the Chamber.
Please visit our "Photos & News" tab for pictures of the event.
Please Help us Grow!The Lakewood Area Chamber of Commerce wants to reward you for referrals. For each paid membership we receive that is referred by you, we will credit $25.00 on your next annual membership dues. Just think, 6 referrals a year could give you a FREE membership.
We have added a line on our membership application that indicates if the business was referred by a member. This must be completed in order to receive the credit. I have attached an application below in case you already have someone in mind. Because non-profit organizations are only charged $25.00 annually there will not be a credit for these referrals. 
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Lakewood Bucks
Lakewood Bucks were designed to keep our dollars in our community thus strengthening our local businesses and economy.
Lakewood Bucks can be purchased in any denomination and can be spent just like cash at any of our member businesses. For a complete list of participating businesses just click on the attachment below. For more information or to purchase Lakewood Bucks, contact Marnie at 616-374-0766 or director@lakewoodareacoc.org
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