Congratulations to the recipients of this year's Chamber's Choice Awards.
2024 Chamber's Choice Award Winners
Congratulations to the recipients of this year's Chamber's Choice Awards
The Southwest Michigan First Chamber is thrilled to announce the 2024 Chamber’s Choice Award winners! We’re proud to recognize and celebrate the standout individuals and organizations who have truly made a significant difference in the greater Kalamazoo region over the past year. These are the people leading the way in helping to create vibrant communities each and every day. We are honored to highlight their achievements and applaud their commitment to our region.
Special thanks to Honor Credit Union, our presenting partner for the 2024 Chamber’s Choice Awards, and to all our valued sponsors. Your generous support makes this program possible.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Dan Martin, Kzoom
Dan is the owner of Kzoom, a full-service digital marketing agency in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. Their team of experts collaborate with you to help accomplish all your digital marketing goals…and have fun doing it! Nominees in this category are business owners who stand out in their leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, business or organizational success, and community impact.
Sponsored by: Can-Do Kalamazoo
LGBTQIA+ Business of the Year
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis
Kalamazoo Backyard Yogis exists to build community, foster well-being, and provide an equitable space for those most often left out of yoga. Nominees in this category are recognized for their business growth, response to adversity, contributions to the local community, and/or resilience.
Nonprofit Business of the Year
First Day Shoe Fund provides new athletic shoes to students in Kalamazoo County public elementary schools at no cost, bringing children confidence and joy. Nominees for this award are recognized for providing a valued service that enhances the quality of life in Kalamazoo County.
Sponsored by: Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Chamber Small Business of the Year
Midtown Fresh Market is a full-service grocery store committed to offering their customers the very best shopping experience. They feature organic produce and fresh sushi, an onsite butcher, an in-house chef, plus craft beers and specialty wines from local vendors. Nominees in the Chamber small business category are small businesses that have shown resilience, dedication to the community, as well as a commitment to equity and sustainability.
Sponsored by: Midwest Communications | 106.5 Jack FM
Alumnus of the Year
Cody Livingston, Aunalytics
Cody Livingston is the market leader for Aunalytics. He has earned the Chamber’s Choice Alumnus of the Year award for the significant impact he has made in giving back to our community through his role as chapter president of Guys Who Give. Nominees in this category are an alumnus/a of one of the institutions of higher learning within the greater Kalamazoo region. They are recognized as a business leader who is engaging in transformational community- or business-building in our region.
Sponsored By: WMU Alumni Association
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Bee Joyful Bee Joyful Shop, owned by Jess Thompson, is Michigan’s first zero waste shop and refillery, featuring locally-made and sustainably sourced zero waste products for home, kitchen, bath, and beauty. Nominees in this category must be 51% or more woman-owned and in business for at least three years. They are recognized for their business growth, response to adversity, contributions to the local community, and/or resilience.
Sponsored By: The Barton Group
Minority-Owned Business of the Year
Chamber Mid/Large Business of the Year
2024 Chamber’s Choice Award | Chamber Mid/Large Business of the Year
To Be Announced
Sponsored by: Midwest Communications
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
2024 Chamber’s Choice Award | Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
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*Nominations will be reviewed for accuracy by a diverse panel of community judges. The top three nominees in each category will be selected as finalists. Current and active Chamber members will make the final awardee selections from the list of finalists. The awardees for Chamber’s Choice will be recognized at their location with a physical award, on the Southwest Michigan First website, and on social media. Awardees will also receive a professionally-produced video sharing their story and community impact. Neither sponsorship of the Chamber’s Choice Awards nor any actual or perceived relationship with Southwest Michigan First are factors in the selection criteria.
