97th Annual Lansing Chamber Dinner to Award Top Local Business Leaders
The area's top small business and community leaders were recognized with mid-Michigan's most prestigious business awards at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) Annual Dinner, held tonight at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing.
The evening was also highlighted by a keynote address from nationally renowned television sportscaster Greg Gumbel. Michigan State University's athletic department was represented by several of the MSU coaches at the event. MSU men's basketball coach Tom Izzo introduced Gumbel to the crowd.
The award winners recognized by the Chamber were:
• Rachelle Neal of Capitol Research Services, Inc who was recipient of the
Chamber's ATHENA award;
• Kelly Rossman-McKinney, owner of The Rossman Group, who was
named winner of the Community Service Award;
• MessageMakers, and its owner Terry Terry, honored with the
Outstanding Small Business Award; and
• Angelia McGarry, owner of Carolan & McGarry, CPA, who was presented with the ATHENA PowerLink® Award.
The ATHENA Award, sponsored by LRCC and National City Bank celebrates the potential of all women as leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive towards the highest levels of professional accomplishment, women and men who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community, and who open paths so that other women may follow.
Rachelle Neal, was recognized for her dedicated service to the community and the distinction she has achieved in business. Throughout her career Neal has been dedicated to serving the Lansing community by volunteering her time and resources to benefit non-profit organizations. She has been a loyal supporter of the advancement of women in education and government. She has also been nationally recognized for her leadership and expertise among marketing research professionals.
The Community Service Award, underwritten by Irwin Union Bank, honors outstanding individuals who give their time and expertise, go above and beyond their own field of endeavor to contribute to the community, and demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in all they do. The Community Service Award also recognizes individuals who have been an inspiration to the community, both in their profession and in their efforts to make the Lansing region a better community.
Kelly Rossman-McKinney was recognized for demonstrating excellence, creativity and initiative in business, and as an outstanding individual who has given of her time and expertise to numerous organizations in the community. Rossman-McKinney has served as United Way Fundraising Chair, board president of Friends of Durant Park and is a member of the Lansing 150 Planning Committee. She has also served as an ATHENA PowerLink advisor, and was a founding member of the Lansing Women's Economic Club. Rossman-McKinney's public relations firm has won numerous awards, including two silver anvils, which is the Pulitzer Prize of the public relations industry.
The recipient of the Outstanding Small Business Award, underwritten by Gladstone Printing, honors the owner of a local small business that meets the criteria of stability, innovation, commitment to the community, perseverance, and commitment to diversity.
MessageMakers was formed in 1977 by Terry Terry. The company provides creative media, event production, instructional design and public information campaigns. The company has expanded to a 7,000-square-foot Old Town facility, which includes high-end production tools and has an international roster of clients, including Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Terry Terry has served as a catalytic force behind the renaissance of Lansing's Old Town historic commercial district.
ATHENA PowerLink is a mentoring program designed to help an established woman business owner take her business to the next level. The business owner is connected, free of charge, with a panel of skilled professionals and advisors to help her meet her business objectives. The program is a partnership between National City Bank and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Angelia McGarry had a lifelong dream of owning her own CPA firm. When Angelia became a partner with Carolan and McGarry, CPA in 2006, she recognized the importance of enlisting support and guidance of other professionals who could assist her in developing and growing her business. Being selected for the 2008 ATHENA PowerLink program gave Angelia just what she felt she needed-access to a wealth of expertise that has proven invaluable.
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the tri-county region, serving a business population of more than 14,000 companies. LRCC is dedicated to making business in the region more profitable by providing programs that create new customers, enhance member visibility and create a prosperous economic environment. LRCC members rely on four key areas to help them succeed: Business Advocacy, Business Expansion, Business Savings & Business Exposure.
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