Thursday, May 3, the Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual spring dinner at The English Inn. The evening was split into socializing, passing out awards, and enjoying interactive, dueling pianos.
Several awards were passed out during the event. The Ted Oliver Award was presented to Morgan Scarbro of Morgan’s Hugs for her contributions to the community through her charity work. Morgan is a high school student at Eaton Rapids Public Schools who has organized several charity events to provide school supplies for students in need, items for wounded veterans, and more.
The Doug Stevenson Award was presented to Deb Malewski, who is the director of the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center. Malewski not only has helped seniors stay active and connected at the center for the last few years, but she’s also expanded the scope of their activities and made the center a place where all seniors can feel welcome.
This year another award was given to Jaime and Tracy Lawson, owners of Your Creative Escape. The Dynamic Duo award was presented to the couple for their “past and continued support of making Eaton Rapids a better place to be by donating time, money, and talents.” Your Creative Escape has provided direction and materials for many of Eaton Rapids’ creative community efforts like the mosaic tiles.
Several chamber member businesses and organizations also hit some big milestones in 2018, which were honored at the event. Darb’s Patio celebrated 10 years of business, Old Mill Furniture 70 years, CRG Directories 25 years, Michigan Plumbing 25 years, and Skinner Funeral Home 65 years. Eaton Rapids Medical Center was also recognized for opening their new wing of the hospital, which accommodates the family care, redicare, physical therapy, behavioral health, and more.
Robin Platt was also introduced as the new ERACC director. Chrystal Murphy also officially announced that she was stepping down as president of the chamber, and Chelsie Swaynie is stepping in as her successor. With many things to celebrate, remember, and look forward to, the ERACC dinner was simply a gathering of caring community members. They’ve chosen to plant roots, invest in, and celebrate Eaton Rapids for the amazing place it is.
