The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce celebrated local businesses and service superstars last night during the 2014 Art of Achievement Awards event. Nearly 400 people were on hand as U.S. Congressman Dan Kildee presented awards to outstanding businesses, community supporters and and hospitality industry stars in 12 categories at the Riverfront Banquet Center in downtown Flint. During the event honors were presented posthumously to Claire White, who received the Woman of Achievement Award and Bill Everett, who was recognized as the 2014 Community Champion.
Claire White was the inaugural recipient of the Woman of Achievement Award. The honor was accepted by her son Ridgway White. She was recognized for her commitment to philanthropy and community engagement in Flint & Genesee. As the daughter of Harding Mott and granddaughter of Charles Stewart Mott, Claire White’s life and legacy was focused on service. To honor her, the Woman of Achievement Award was renamed. Future recipients will receive the Claire White Award.
Through commitment to his community and his love of hockey, Bill Everett made a difference for Flint & Genesee. Twenty-nine years ago he founded the Vehicle City International Old Timers Hockey Tournament. He was able to bring hundreds of hockey enthusiasts to the region each year and expose hundreds of young people to the sport, while at the same time creating a legacy tournament that continues to have an economic impact on the region. He also contributed proceeds from the tournament to Whaley Children’s Center. His wife of 60 years, Theo Everett accepted the award.
The 2014 Art of Achievement Awards also honored the following businesses and individuals:
- CEO Business Award – Client Financial Services
- Small Business Award – Spud Software
- Minority-Owned Business Award – Loving Hands
- Young Professional Award – Marissa Pierce, Dort Federal Credit Union
- Non Profit Impact Award – Legal Services of Eastern Michigan
- Gloria J. DeHart Award – Norma Jean Barlow, Holiday Inn Express Flint Area Campus
- Hospitality Ambassador Award – Kevin Macklin, Buffalo Wild Wings
- Frontline Ambassador Award – Debbie Sauer, Wingate by Wyndham
- Restaurant of the Year – Sorrento Food & Spirits
- Hotel of the Year – Residence Inn
The Awards were made possible by the following sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network, Dinner and Cocktail Reception; Al Serra Auto Plaza, Dessert Sponsor and Health Alliance Plan, Decoration Sponsor. Awards sponsors include: the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan; University of Michigan-Flint; General Motors Flint Truck Assembly; The Lucy Ham Group; First Merit Bank; Community Foundation of Greater Flint and Chase Bank.