HOUSE OF FLAVORS, BOOK MARK, AND JCI LUDINGTON TAKE TOP HONORS AT CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS
House of Flavors, Inc. was awarded 2024 Business of the Year by the Chamber Alliance of Mason County Wednesday night during its annual awards dinner at The Lake House.
Whit Gallagher, president/CEO of House of Flavors Inc., accepted the award from Chamber President/CEO Brandy Miller. He spoke of the company’s affection for the Mason County community and the dedication of his team members.
“On behalf of the House of Flavors team, we are honored to receive this year’s award,” he said. “We see this recognition as not just an acknowledgment of our work and purpose but also as a reflection of the incredible support we have received from the community at large. We feel blessed to be a part of such a caring community.
“The dedication, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence by the House of Flavors team is the driving force behind our success. Team members throughout the organization have played a crucial role in our culture change journey, and I am incredibly proud and grateful for all the hard work and commitment,” he continued.
The ice cream manufacturer has been a leader in the community since its inception as Park Dairy in 1948. During the past year, House of Flavors saw record numbers of ice cream produced, significant investment in internal systems, and saw its 76th year of business.
Employing more than 240 people, the factory produces more than 1,400 unique items under its labels, Ashby Sterling and House of Flavors, and other private labels sold all over the United States. Twenty-eight million gallons of ice cream are made locally each year.
House of Flavors supports community events and organizations through its Protein Foundation. It is the funding engine for substantial grants to organizations dedicated to physically and spiritually nourishing others.
“Whether you are a community partner or a business partner, the team at House of Flavors and Protein Foundation works to find a collaborative and mutually beneficial outcome,” Miller said. “The local team is always willing to support community projects, be a good neighbor to their residential neighbors, and has worked to expand their product lines.”
Recently, the organization contributed money toward projects throughout the community including the Impact Mason County project, operations for Ludington Area Catholic and Covenant Christian, and a large contribution to the Armory Youth Project in Manistee.
The company also provides a chaplain for its team members; assistance with loans, daycare, and housing; “Take-Home Ice Cream Fridays”; a profit-sharing plan; free membership to the local health club; and a 30% discount card for House of Flavors Restaurant.
“Last night’s event is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work to serve a common goal and is a celebration of our collective efforts to create economic engines that drive community development and contribute to the overall improvement of the quality of life in Mason County,” Gallagher said.
The other finalist recognized in the Business of the Year category was Ludington Meat Company, represented by owners, Alec and Jessica Sanders, and their team members.
Small Business of the Year Award
Book Mark of Ludington was awarded Small Business of the Year, and owners Bob and Carole Kosanovich were on hand to speak about the company’s past and future.
Book Mark’s commitment to literacy in the Ludington community, by offering the On Track Reader Volunteer Tutoring Program, was recognized with this award. Twice per week, local school children attend this free tutoring program at the bookstore. The goal of the On Track Reader Tutoring Program is to provide support to K-3 students who need a little extra time on word recognition skills, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
Book Mark’s tutoring program, created by Marcia Kosanovich Weidner, is making a difference in the lives of local children as they gain confidence in their reading skills to achieve grade-level scores. The pilot phase began during fall 2023 on Tuesdays and Thursdays with 12 students – and it was offered at no cost to the families.
Bob Kosanovich also told the audience that Book Mark is currently under construction and will soon open an expanded meeting space downtown.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community,” Miller said. “They contribute not only to our local economy, but also to the unique character of our community.”
Other nominees recognized in the small business category were Blue Blaze Public Relations, Gordys Skate Co. and Trailhead Bike Shop.
Community Service Award
JCI Ludington, formerly known as the Ludington Area Jaycees, was recognized with the 2024 Community Service Award. This organization designed for young leaders has a history of 70 years in the community, providing “servant leadership” training to three generations.
“Members tirelessly dedicate time to providing our community with the best Fourth of July possible with an annual grand parade in Downtown Ludington and fireworks displays over Lake Michigan,” Miller said.
“They have raised money through their mini golf, which they have paid out to numerous community charities to help with numerous community needs. The organization has given away over $300,000 over the years.”
Other finalists honored for community service were Renee Pickard, Shoreline Force and United Methodist Church of Ludington.
Future Five
Five local business professionals were named to the 2024 Class of Future Five and received honors for excellence in their respective business fields. The honorees are Alyssa DeVecht of NorthStar Fitness, Serena Kuhn of West Shore Bank, Dr. Perry Merillat of Corewell Health, Jamie Sutton of FloraCraft Corp., and Kerry VanHouten of Staircase Youth Services.
These individuals, aged 21-40, are currently influencing the growth, prosperity, and quality of life in Mason County and demonstrate the ability to positively impact the area in the future through professional accomplishments and community involvement.
“Our 2024 Future Five recipients are an inspiration to keep learning, keep growing and keep influencing change in the community,” Miller said. “We truly appreciate what they do to make Mason County a great place to live.”