Choose Marshall Celebrates Community Growth and Excellence at 2025 Annual Chamber Dinner & Awards Banquet

MAEDA/Choose Marshall officially celebrated a landmark year of growth and achievement at its Annual Chamber Dinner & Awards Banquet. Held at the Schuler’s 19Zero9 Venue, the event brought together 225 guests to honor the milestones of 2025 and catch a first glimpse of the organization’s vision for 2026.

The evening served as a tribute to the collaborative spirit of the Marshall community. "Last night, 225 Choose Marshall Chamber members and non-members came together to celebrate our wonderful community and the achievements of 2025," said MAEDA Board Chair Mike lounds. "We are grateful for the continued support of our event sponsors, the MAEDA staff and board, and our Chamber Ambassadors, whose dedication keeps our community strong."

A highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, which recognized individuals and organizations that made significant contributions to the local landscape over the past year:

Charles F. Hayes Spirit Award:
Named after a man who quietly embodied the soul of our city, the Charles F. Hayes Community Spirit Award honors a Choose Marshall Chamber member or non-member individual or business who contributes to the fabric of Marshall through selfless service. Theresa Chaney Huggett is the personification of this spirit.

Theresa is a dedicated volunteer who works largely behind the scenes, never seeking the spotlight but always making an impact. She has been a quiet staple of our community for over 40 years, lending her talents and countless hours to the causes that need her most. Whether she is leading a non-profit such as Jam for the Cure, supporting and leading the Marshall Exchange Club, serving on Marshall City Council or delivering meals to those in need, she does all of this and more with a smile and a kind heart. Theresa doesn't just live in Marshall; she pours her soul into it, making her a true blessing to us all.


MAEDA Champion Award: The MAEDA Champion Award is reserved for the Chamber Member individual or organization that serves as the heartbeat of our community—a member who goes above and beyond to promote the Choose Marshall Chamber and MAEDA, ensuring our city remains the premier destination to live, work, and play.

This year, we are proud to honor The Underhill Agency – Farmers Insurance, led by Ryan Underhill. Ryan is far more than a business owner; he is one of Marshall’s vocal and tireless cheerleaders. Whether through social media, community networking, or local sponsorships, Ryan has a unique gift for finding the silver lining and highlighting the progress that makes our town special. His infectious positivity and commitment to "promoting the good" serve as a constant reminder of why we are all proud to call Marshall home.


Tourism Award: Tourism is the lifeblood of our historic town, and the Tourism Award recognizes a Choose Marshall Chamber Member or Non-member individual or business who makes Marshall a destination for tourists and residents. This year, we honor Executive Director Jacob Gates and his exceptional team at The Franke Center for the Arts.

The Franke Center serves as a cultural anchor for our region. By creating a diverse calendar that ranges from world-class musical artists to the beloved Children’s Theater productions, Jacob and his team draw thousands of visitors from across our state and even neighboring states to our community. These patrons don’t just attend a show; they dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores, and fill our hotel rooms. Operating out of a stunning historic landmark, The Franke Center blends heritage with high-quality entertainment, making it a cornerstone of Marshall’s economic and cultural vitality.


Tom Franke Business Innovation Award: The Tom Franke Business Innovation Award is given to a Choose Marshall Chamber member or non-member individual or business and honors those who foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem and think outside the box to serve our residents. This year, we recognize an institution that continuously redefines what a library can be: The Marshall District Library.

Under the awesome leadership of Angela Semifero and her talented team, the library has become a hub of creative and innovative programming. Far from being just a place for books, it is an incubator for knowledge and a community gathering space that constantly evolves to meet modern needs. From their high-tech resources and support to their many unique classes for ALL ages such as a Spice Club, Medicare 101, Learn to Sew, and a Lego Club , their business model is one of constant growth and adaptation—a forward-thinking spirit that Tom Franke himself would have deeply admired.


Special Project Award: The Outstanding Project Award is given to an endeavor that significantly impacted and enhanced the quality of life in our community. When a critical school bond issue failed to pass, the future of our student-athletes' facilities sat in the balance. Understanding that a premier school system is the foundation of a strong community, the Marshall Community Credit Union (MCCU) stepped up to lead the charge with a substantial donation.

By making a visionary lead donation, MCCU galvanized the community to action. Their very generous donation bridged the gap, and within a very short time, a state-of-the-art facility was opened for our students and community. We are so grateful for their 75 years of continued commitment to our community and the next generation of Marshall Redhawks.


The success of the Annual Dinner was made possible through the generous support of local businesses and partners. Gold Level Sponsors: Kellogg Community Credit Union, American 1 Credit Union, Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub, Walbridge, Marshall Community Credit Union. Silver Level Sponsors: Ford BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, Oaklawn Hospital, Sturgis Bank. Bronze Level Sponsors: FireKeepers Casino Hotel, Eaton, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Shafer Redi-Mix, Highpoint Community Bank, Enbridge, VantagePointe Benefits Solutions, and Real Estate One – Rosemary Davis Realtors.

Special recognition was also extended to BluFish Consulting, Kjell Croce, James Oliver (COW), Father Craig Lusk, and the staff at Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub for their contributions to the evening’s program.

Choose Marshall (Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance) is dedicated to promoting economic vitality and community growth in the Marshall area. Through business support, tourism promotion, and community leadership, MAEDA works to ensure Marshall remains a premier destination to live, work, and play.

Pictured below: Ryan Underhill, Angela Semifero, Corrie Rozell, and Theresa Chaney-Huggett