Local business owners and community leaders who help to make Niles a better place to live, work and shop were recognized Thursday night, during the Four Flags Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner and Community Awards. The event was hosted by the  chamber at Lake Michigan College’s Bertrand Crossing campus.

More than 100 people attended and were treated to a dinner prepared by CK Catering and dessert made by Niles High School’s culinary students.

The evening’s events were emceed by award-winning sports reporter Allison Hayes. Hayes also introduced keynote speaker Mayor Nick Shelton, who is Hayes’ fiancé.

As a life long resident of Niles, Shelton discussed how his passion for Niles helped to fuel his campaign as mayor. But as any politician knows, no job to improve a city can be done alone.

Shelton recognized the people in attendance and other residents working to improve Niles through their leadership and dedication.

“My favorite part of the job is the people,” Shelton said “We are fortunate to have people in our community like you, who are working hard every day to improve our city. There are new businesses popping up and more and more people willing to take a chance on settling down in Niles.”

Since Shelton was officially sworn in as mayor earlier this year, he said he has attended multiple ribbon cutting ceremonies to celebrate new businesses. Additionally, the city of Niles has overcome other challenges, like coming together after a tornado in February. Other success included bringing renowned artist Richard Hunt to visit the city.

Shelton asked for community leaders to continue their work and encourage others to be a positive force in Niles.

“I have a challenge for you,” Shelton said.  “Be part of the positive change. Together we can do more. Collaborate with one another, take care of each other  and be champions for our area. Encourage others to get involved.”

For those with doubts, Shelton said they have only to look at their community for proof.

“You can call it a resurgence, you can call it a comeback, but just know that good things are happening in Niles,” Shelton said. 

Also recognizing the growth in months past, Barbara Craig, the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce co-chair, said the organization has been able to increase its membership by at least two businesses each month. Since January, the chamber has also served more than 100 tourists, helping them connect with local businesses. As of December, the chamber announced that it serves between 300 and 400 members. 

Like Shelton, she said the work was not through yet. She said the organization was continuing to look for ways to help businesses connect with customers, such as the chamber’s recent efforts to help area business become Google verified. 

“We are trying to find ways to make ourselves more viable,” Craig said. “Our chamber members deserve the best resources.”

Chamber members and representatives from the Connect 180 Group, formerly Niles Young Leaders, helped to distribute the awards.

The following leaders were recognized and received an award: Brandywine Community Schools Superintendent John Jarpe received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Prime Table owners Nick Mary and Bill Giannakakis, Prime Table owners, received the 2017 Business of the Year Award; Denise Peters with the  YMCA was awarded the Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award; Rickey Miller, a business service relationships officer for the Teachers Credit Union, was awarded Ambassador of the Year Award and Ambrosia Neldon, general manager for Leader Publications, was awarded Niles Most Influential 40 and Under Award.