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NILES — The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce recognized local leaders who have helped the city and its businesses to flourish during its annual Chamber Pulse Luncheon Thursday at The Morris Estate.

Presented by the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, the annual luncheon is considered to be the biggest networking event in the Niles region. The luncheon was headlined by Michigan Governer Gretchen Whitmer. Governor Whitmer, a leading voice in economic development, infrastructure investment, and workforce innovation, was asked a variety of questions ranging from economic growth across Michigan, her experience as a politician and her hopes for the future.

“My job – and I’m very clear on it – is to do everything I can to strengthen our economy and to strengthen the quality of life for Michiganders,” she said. “I’m mindful that none of us has unlimited time, but I want to make sure we get as much done as we can so, whoever comes after me can take it to the next level.”

Whitmer was asked about the automobile industry and the state’s investment into electric vehicles.

“It’s about setting the table so that consumers can benefit and that we can make our choice and also do the right thing on behalf of energy consumption and climate but it’s also to ensure that we’re not letting China come in and underwrite their sales in this country and decimate an Industry that has been so critical to to Michigan’s success,” she said. “We want people to make their choices but we also want to ensure that China doesn’t make the choice for us.”

Whitmer talked about the state’s “60 by 30” goal, which aims to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 51.8 percent today to 60 percent by 2030. She highlighted the state’s initiatives to help accomplish the goal, including Futures for Frontliners – which offers essential workers an opportunity to complete high school or community college tuition-free – and Michigan Reconnect, a program that will help pay the costs of tuition or training for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college, as ways to help close the skills gap.

“That’s why this goal is so important,” she said. “All of these paths are about making it easier for each Michigander to find their path and to do it in a way that doesn’t cripple them for life with debt they have to pay off.”

Whitmer also highlighted the Chapin Mansion Restoration and the Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Project as being among seven Michigan preservation projects awarded Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation and how historic preservation projects like Niles’ are helping to attract businesses and talent to the state.

“We recognize the history and heritage but we’re doing cutting edge things for the preserve it,” she said. “These are all different ways that we play into making sure that Michigan is a place that young people will flock to,call home and will stay here.”

The following people and businesses were awarded:

Small Business of the Year – The award was presented to Veni’s Sweet Shop and accepted by owner Linda Skwarcan. The award is presented to a small business demonstrating leadership, innovation, business growth, community engagement and capital investment. For more than 100 years, Veni’s has been serving the Niles community with its sweet treats. Veni’s products can be found regionally in stores from Dowagiac to Buchanan to South Bend and Notre Dame. Veni’s is also a 2025 recipient of the Chamber’s Digital Storefront Grant that will fund six months of e-commerce consulting which will help rebuild her website and develop digital solutions to bring her products to market online.

2025 Distinguished Leader Award – This award was presented to Niles Main Street Director Lisa Croteau. The award honors an individual who demonstrates a pioneering spirit, makes significant contributions to the area business environment and shows personal involvement and commitment to the community. Chamber officials said Croteau was selected for 25 years of work to make downtown Niles a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work and visit.

Economic Impact Award –  The award was presented to Bonnnell Aluminum and accepted by plant manager Stefan Vogt. This award is presented to a business or organization demonstrating strategic vision –combined with a substantial investment in the community – leading to economic growth for the greater good of the region.