Businesses to be honored at May 5 recognition event

The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce, Waterford Township and Waterford Cultural Council are hosting a business recognition event to honor the bevy of enterprises that enhance the community.

The event, sponsored by Best Source Credit Union, will be held on the Highland Lakes Campus of Oakland Community College, located at 7350 Cooley Lake Road in Waterford, from 7:15 to 9 a.m. on May 5.

Oakland County Parks Executive Officer Daniel Stencil will be this year’s keynote speaker. He was invited to speak because of Oakland County’s Quality of Life initiative spearheaded by County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, an effort that seeks to leverage quality of life throughout Oakland County. Parks are a key focal point of that endeavor.

“We have so many parks and lakes that our recreation is focused on quality of life, our theme for the year,” said Chamber Executive Director Marie Hauswirth.

The chamber will be doling out 21 awards this year in a number of categories. Only Waterford Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for consideration.

“It’s our way of recognizing those businesses for choosing Waterford to conduct business,” Hauswirth said. “Longevity and sustainability is No. 1.”

Businesses and/or individuals are nominated for awards by their peers for adhering to a set criteria before a committee makes a final determination of the winner in each category.

“They are recognized for milestones beginning at 25 years,” Hauswirth said.

Awards will be also be handed out for beautification efforts.

“These awards are for noticeable improvement of appearances or aesthetics to buildings and green space,” Hauswirth said.

Awards include Business of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Community Service; and Historical.

The Community Service Award honors a business or individual making a difference in Waterford’s overall quality of life, whereas the Historical Award is reserved for a historical landmark in the community.

“We need to recognize our businesses because they are what sustain our economy,” Hauswirth said.