UACJ, CLUCK BUCKET, LAKESHORE CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER ARE BIG WINNERS AT CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS

Leadership, innovation, and community involvement were honored by the Chamber Alliance of Mason County on Wednesday at the organization’s annual awards celebration. UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries was named 2026 Business of the Year; Cluck Bucket was named 2026 Small Business of the Year; and Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center won the 2026 Community Service Award.

Business leaders from across Mason County gathered at The Lake House Venue in Ludington for the ceremony and dinner. Chamber President/CEO Brandy Miller emceed the evening’s events, and Chamber Board members recognized each of the award finalists, in addition to the 2026 Class of Future Five.

The Chamber’s annual awards recognize excellence in organizations and professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement while contributing to the growth, vitality and quality of life of the Mason County community.

“Our finalists and winners exemplify the leadership, innovation and community commitment that drive Mason County forward,” said Brandy Miller, president/CEO of the Chamber Alliance. “We are proud to recognize their achievements and celebrate the lasting impact they have on our community.”

Business of the Year
UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries was awarded 2026 Business of the Year for converting its facility on Madison Street in Ludington to a full-scale FIRST Robotics competition field. Prior to this investment, many student teams traveled an hour or more simply to practice driving, test autonomous programming, and prepare for competition. Today, students from across West Michigan have access to a world-class facility right here in Mason County, creating opportunities that simply did not exist before.

The regional asset is changing lives, strengthening education, developing the future workforce, and positioning Mason County as a destination for STEM excellence, according to FIRST Robotics organizers.

Finalists honored for 2026 Business of the Year award were Jamesport Brewing Company, Metalworks, and West Michigan Community Mental Health.

Small Business of the Year
Owned by the Eaton family, 2026 Small Business of the Year winner Cluck Bucket has earned a reputation for offering quality, fairly priced meals as both a local favorite and a top referral or recommendation for visitors, thanks to its thoughtful leadership and stewardship of the business.

Cluck Bucket has grown from one food truck to a downtown brick-and-mortar location and a third location at the 10 Spot. The company has enhanced its outdoor dining space, added a mobile food trailer “Ruby,” opened a coffee shop, and converted its original food truck to PIT Bowls to provide more variety and options.

Every step of the way is thoughtfully planned to provide a quality product, good customer service, and a comforting space. 

Other recognized finalists for the 2026 Small Business of the Year were All Occasions Events & Floral, Matthew 6 Construction, and The 10 Spot.

Community Service
The 2026 Community Service Award went to Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center for its vital service of some of the most vulnerable members of our community – children who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, exploitation, or who have witnessed violence.

The organization’s commitment goes beyond a job description; it reflects a genuine dedication to protecting children and restoring hope to families, even when the work is emotionally demanding and successes are rarely visible to the public.

The center improves public safety, strengthens families, supports our schools, assists law enforcement, and gives children the opportunity to heal, thrive, and grow into healthy adults.

Other finalists for the 2026 Community Service Award included Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center, Ludington Coats & Boots for Kids, and St. Simon’s Bargain Center.

Future Five

Five rising professionals who comprise the 2026 Class of Future Five received honors for excellence in their respective business fields. The honorees are Emma Claveau, Floracraft; Alison Glossinger, Lakeshore Food Club; Olivia Lambrix, Mason County Historical Society; Trent Pagels, West Shore Bank; and Cooper Sorvig, LakeFX Media.

These standout individuals, ages 21–40, were recognized for not only business excellence, but also for actively shaping the growth, prosperity, and quality of life in Mason County through community involvement.