The Southwestern Michigan Regional Chamber marked its 70th anniversary today—the same day it bestowed its annual Business Recognition Awards before a capacity crowd at the LMC Mendel Center.
The group that represents small and medium sized businesses in the region honored one of its oldest members with its highest award, the Pat Moody Award—named after former chamber executive and MoodyOnTheMarket founder/publisher Pat Moody. 93 year old Jim “Jimbo” Shelton was honored for a lifetime of business success, hard work and mentorship of several generations of employees.
Shelton is the patriarch of Shelton Farms and Market, headquartered in Niles. He calls himself ‘an old fruit peddler’, but has touched the lives of dozens—perhaps hundreds—of employees over the years, imparting a dedication to customer service, quality products and community involvement.
Shelton was sidelined by a broken arm in the recent Winter storm and couldn’t attend the ceremony today. However, his grandson, Niles Mayor Nick Shelton, accepted the award, heaping huge praise on his grandfather for the example he set for the family and everyone connected to Shelton Farms and Market over the decades.
Other SMR Chamber Business Recognition Awards:
BEST NEW BUSINESS: Base Bowls & Company, St. Joseph
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Peat’s Cider Social, Stevensville
ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARD: Lane Automotive, Watervliet
NON-PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD: Logan Autism Learning Center, Benton Harbor
RISING STAR AWARD: Justin “Juice” Koehneke, Watermark Brewing Co., Stevensville
CHAMBER AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: Phyllis Palmer, Cressy & Everett Real Estate
SMR Chamber President/CEO Arthur Havlicek told members that 2023 was a record breaking year for the organization in many ways. The Chamber’s more than 60 events and activities were well-attended and 68 new members joined in 2023. Today’s Business Recognition Breakfast topped 600 attendees, the largest in several decades.
International leadership guru Drew Dudley delivered the keynote address, challenging members to exhibit the qualities of leadership one day at a time and on a personal level to one person at a time. Dudley shared how helping others be successful has driven his own success and helped him overcome professional and personal challenges.
By Gayle Olson, MOTM Contributor
