Update: Lori Appold Named Athena Award Recipient

Update posted on March 18 2010 Back to Blog

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce announces new award at its 127th annual meeting

As published by The Bay City Times on Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

State Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, said he hasn’t been as nervous as he was Wednesday night in a long time.

Barcia was the first-ever recipient of the James A. Barcia Award for Excellence in Public Service at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s 127th annual meeting held at the Doubletree hotel and conference center in downtown Bay City.

“I haven’t been this nervous since I was interrogated in Detroit,” joked Barcia, upon receiving the award. “I’m speechless.”

The award will continue to be given to elected or appointed public officials that demonstrate exemplary public service.

“Jim has set the bar and he raised the bar when it comes to constituent relations,” said state Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, who helped present the first-time award.

Barcia said receiving the award was one of the high points in his career.

“I will cherish the memory of this night for the rest of my days,” he said.

Bay City businessman Art Dore was another surprised award recipient. Dore, along with Bay City businesswoman Johanne Luth, both received the Business Hall of Fame Award.

Dore said he thought he was going to speak at the event about recruiting for the Bay City Country Club, 7255 Three Mile, which he purchased earlier this year.

“I’m not the kind of guy that does that,” Dore said. “I guess if I would of known I probably wouldn’t have showed up, but it was nice, it was very thoughtful.

“It’s a great community and I try to make things happen.”

Lori Appold, a senior manager and accountant at Andrews Hooper & Pavlik P.L.C., was acknowledged at the meeting for her efforts in the community by receiving the Athena Award.

“It’s just a great feeling that I know that a lot of the employees where I work, Andrews Hooper & Pavlik, were very instrumental in making this happen,” Appold said. “I was very surprised though.”

The Athena Award is presented to a woman or man who is recognized for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

About 450 people attended the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s 127th annual meeting.

Here is a list of the award recipients:

All Star Team of the Year

Recognizes the six Chamber ambassadors with the highest number of points accumulated for the year.
• Sandy Loomis of Chemical Bank, 3245 N. Clare, Harrison.
• Stephanie Kolomak of Citizens Bank, 701 Washington, Bay City.
• Sue Pike of Monitor Township Downtown Development Commission
• Barb Engelhardt of Farm Bureau Insurance, 903 Saginaw, Bay City
• Luke Russell of Edward Jones Investments, 231 E. Wackerly, Midland
• Mark Delestowicz of Independent Bank, 800 Broadway, Bay City.

Ambassador of the Year

An ambassador’s primary responsibility is to serve as a liaison with the chamber’s newest members.
• Sandy Loomis of Chemical Bank, 3245 N. Clare, Harrison.

Athena Award

Presented to a woman or man who is recognized for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills:
• Lori Appold of Andrews Hooper & Pavlik P.L.C., 1601 Marquette.

Award for Excellence in Public Service

A new award that will continue to be given out to elected or appointed public officials that are exemplary in public service.
• State Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City.

Business Hall of Fame Award

Recognizes the outstanding contributions of Great Lakes Bay Region business professionals to the area.
• Johanne Luth of McDonald’s Restaurants of Bay City, 901 S. Euclid, Bay City.
• Arthur P. Dore of Dore & Associates Contracting, Inc., 900 Harry S. Truman, Bay City.

Family Friendly Employer Award

Awarded to local employers for their efforts in assisting employees with the challenge of balancing work and family.
• Bay Regional Medical Center, 1900 Columbus Ave.
• Gougeon Brothers, Inc., 100 Patterson, Bay City.

Leadership Alumni Community Service Award

Honors graduates of the Leadership Bay County program who exemplify the principles of community service.
• Laurie Bush of Harris-Bush Realty, 311 Center.

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