Jaason Bishop, Rebecca Homer earn Merit, Organization of Year
Chamber Boardmember Barb Yockey presents Citizen of the Year Award to Teresa Ritchey at Saturday’s Gala.
IMLAY CITY/LUM — The Castle Creek Golf Club was filled to capacity on Saturday, Feb. 4 for the annual Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce Gala and Dinner-Dance.
The event included dinner, followed by presentations to this year’s Citizen of the Year, Merit Award recipient and the Organization of the Year.
To begin the festivities, Chamber of Commerce President Melissa Barrow welcomed all attendees, including local dignitaries, special guests and the award nominees.
Honored as this year’s “Citizen of the Year was Teresa Ritchie, who talked about her family lineage and her current family members for their support, encouragement and love.
The recipient of the prestigious Merit Award was Jaason Bishop, owner of Backyard Creations, for generously donating his time and skills to various community projects.
Winning this year’s Organization of the Year Award was Rebecca Homer, who created a scholarship in honor of her late husband, Imlay City Police Officer Kevin Homer. She was joined for the presentation by her daughter, Amanda Jackman.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by D.J. of the Ryan Group and Imlay City’s own Steve London in the persona of Dean Martin.
The event sponsors were Vlasic/Conagra, R.A. Duthler Land Surveyor, Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, Milnes Chevrolet, Kapala Heating & Air Conditioning, Smokers Palace, The UPS Store, Spicer Group, Choice One Bank, Shop Life Customs, Steve Robbins State Farm Insurance, Halibicky Insurance Group, Peaceful Moon Yoga, LaBaron’s Power Sports, Todd’s Glass & Mirrors, Brower Farms, The Print Shop, Backyard Creations, Great Lakes Warriors, Julie Chrysler/Independent Scentsy Consultant, Castle Creek Golf Club and Tri-City Times.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
