BWW, Dickerson, Burr recognized for bettering Waterford

Waterford Township, in partnership with the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Waterford Cultural Council, recognized area businesses and individuals at its annual business recognition breakfast held on May 10.

Awards were doled out to those who went above and beyond to make Waterford a great place to live, work and play, according to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marie Hauswirth.

“Each year a chamber member business and individual are selected for their contributions to enhancing the quality of life in Waterford Township,” Hauswirth said.

The 2012 Business of the Year award was presented to the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, opened its doors in August 2007 near the M-59 and Crescent Lake Road intersection.

“They didn’t wait for folks to contact them but extended their hospitality to become an intricate part of the Waterford community,” Hauswirth said.

This past year, Buffalo Wild Wings donated close to $16,500 to various local organizations through their fund-raising program, and over $9,000 in sponsorships to a variety of local sports team and organizations.

“They understand the value of partnerships and work closely with many of the businesses and organizations throughout the community. They embrace new ideas and always seem to find a way to make them work,” Hauswirth noted.

This year’s Business Person of the Year award was presented to Bob Dickerson of Marco’s Pizza, which opened in 2009 on Cooley Lake Road near Cass Elizabeth Road.

“Since opening, Bob has been involved in all sectors of the Waterford community,” Hauswirth said.

Dickerson’s community involvement includes the Waterford Summer Reading Program at the township library, feeding displaced families through the Waterford Fire Department, and serving kids with special needs at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department’s annual fishing derby. He has sponsored the Waterford Parks and Recreation boys and girls T-ball/fast pitch teams for the past three years, and works with Waterford public and private school fund-raisers, sports teams, and Boy and Girl Scout groups.

Dickerson’s community support includes efforts that help children and seniors. His dedication has made a regional impact through his support of Waterford Mott High School’s chess and ping pong tournaments that raise money for Mott Children’s Hospital.

“Bob’s endless energy and contribution to the quality of life for others is an inspiration for all,” Hauswirth said.

This year’s Community Service award was presented to Bill Burr, who recently retired from All Saints Cemetery. Burr has been an active member and served on the boards of the Waterford and Clarkston Area chambers of commerce and Optimist clubs for several years. He has worked closely with the Senior Center, Waterford Coalition for Youth, Job Shadow Program, and the Goodfellows newspaper drive and food collection.

In addition to these awards, a pair of businesses, Feldman Hyundai and the Regency at Waterford, were presented beautification awards for improving the aesthetics of their storefronts and property.

Anniversary awards were bestowed on a number of businesses that met milestones of business success.