Chamber announces Future Five honorees.

LUDINGTON — The 2014 Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce Future Five honorees have been announced. They include Carrie Kosla, Lisa Cooper, Kaley Petersen, Lynda Matson and Dean Raven.

The purpose of the honor is to recognize community members under the age of 40 who are making an impact.

Cooper is the executive director of Oaktree Academy, a non-profit childcare center and preschool located in Hamlin Township.

“As a lifelong Mason County resident and early childhood professional, Lisa recognized that there was a huge need for additional childcare and preschool slots in Mason County, as well as a need for second shift childcare for parents who work into the late evening hours,” Lexi Alvesteffer and Michelle Kiessel wrote in a nomination letter. “Because of this and her passion for making a difference, she partnered with Pennies from Heaven/John Wilson and the United Way/Lynn Russell to create Oaktree Academy.”

Kosla is the fundraising /community outreach coordinator for COVE (Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters). She was nominated by Erica Karmeisool of Ludington.

“I nominate Carrie Kosla due to her multifaceted approach to community enrichment. In her previous position with Lenz-Balder Insurance, Carrie was seen throughout downtown Ludington while volunteering for city events. She also is an active member of the Lakeside Civic Players (LCP), and worked diligently to bring large-scale productions, such as RENT, to the area. Having transitioned to COVE, Carrie has blended professionalism, passion and artistry. Carrie, Men CAN, COVE and the LCP have created a series of TED Talk reenactments that focus on sexual assault and domestic violence awareness.”

Petersen was nominated by Brandy Henderson, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Kaley Petersen as a 2014 Future Five honoree. I have had the pleasure of working with Kaley in several capacities and have always respected her hard work, dedication and leadership,” Henderson wrote.

“Kaley and her husband, Fritz, have recently relocated to Ludington when Kaley was hired by Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital as the Foundation director in May of 2014. This fall they welcomed their first child; a surprise baby boy, Audric.  Her transition of a new job, new home and a new baby was handled with poise and class, which is no surprise to anyone who knows Kaley. She handles every situation she encounters with confidence, purpose and always leads by example.”

Matson was nominated by Rob Alway, editor-in-chief of Mason County Press.

“Lynda has devoted herself to being part of Mason County’s business community,” Alway wrote. “Her local career began at Lake Michigan Carferry Service where she quickly went through the ranks from director of marketing to Vice President of Marketing and Customer Service. Lynda has worked as the West Shore Community College Business Opportunity Center director and most recently was hired as the principal of West Shore Educational Service District’s Career Technical and Academy of Science, Math and Technology programs.”

Raven was nominated by Adam Sheren of West Shore Bank. He is employed by Smith & Eddy Insurance. “My vision is to be a trustworthy, responsible and committed husband, father and community leader,” Raven said. “I am willing to put forth my best effort to make our community a better place to live and this nomination has given me a clearer picture of what I want to accomplish.”