Chamber honors businesses, organizations at annual awards celebration

From left: Mike Wegener, president of UACJ, Sheri and Derek Eaton, owners of Cluck Bucket

LUDINGTON — Business leaders and community organizations were recognized Wednesday during the Chamber Alliance of Mason County’s annual awards celebration at The Lake House Venue.

The evening’s top business honor went to UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, which was named the Chamber’s 2026 Business of the Year.

UACJ was recognized for converting its Madison Street facility in Ludington into a full-scale FIRST Robotics competition field. Before the facility was available, many student robotics teams traveled an hour or more to practice driving robots, test autonomous programming and prepare for competitions.

The Ludington facility now gives teams from across west Michigan access to a competition-scale practice field. FIRST Robotics organizers said the facility is strengthening STEM education, supporting workforce development and creating opportunities for students that were not previously available in Mason County.

At left, Brandy Miller, president of the Chamber Alliance with Megan McCarthy, executive director of Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center

Other finalists for Business of the Year were Jamesport Brewing Co., Metalworks and West Michigan Community Mental Health.

Chamber Alliance President and CEO Brandy Miller served as emcee for the ceremony and dinner. Chamber board members also recognized award finalists and members of the 2026 Future Five class.

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

Cluck Bucket, owned by the Eaton family, was named 2026 Small Business of the Year. The business began as a food truck and has since expanded to a downtown Ludington restaurant and a location at The 10 Spot.

The company has also expanded its outdoor dining area, added a mobile food trailer named Ruby, opened a coffee shop and converted its original food truck into PIT Bowls.

Class of Future Five: From left, Olivia Lambrix, Trent Pagels, Alison Glossinger, Emma Claveau, and Cooper Sorvig

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

Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center received the 2026 Community Service Award for its work with children who have experienced sexual or physical abuse, neglect or exploitation, or who have witnessed violence.

The center works with families, schools and law enforcement while providing services intended to help children recover from trauma.

The Chamber also recognized its 2026 Future Five class, honoring professionals ages 21 to 40 for professional achievement and community involvement.

This year’s honorees were Emma Claveau of FloraCraft; Alison Glossinger of Lakeshore Food Club; Olivia Lambrix of Mason County Historical Society; Trent Pagels of West Shore Bank; and Cooper Sorvig of LakeFX Media.

Contributed photos. 

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