The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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Dignitaries honored at chamber dinner
By Sean Dalton, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: January 24, 2008
The event included retired Dexter Band Director Gerald Woolfolk, (from left to right); Paula Burns; U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg's wife, Susan; former Dexter Chamber President Matt LaFontaine; chamber member Patrick Sortor; State Rep. Pam Byrnes; School Supt. Evelynn Shirk; and County Commissioner Mark Ouimet.
The Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated another successful year of promoting excellence in the local business community.
More than 180 people, including local, county and state officials, filled the Knights of Columbus hall on Jan. 16.
"The attendance in this community is always amazing," said State Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Dist. 52. "You just don't see this kind of crowd elsewhere at similar events in communities this size."
Byrnes and Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet, R-District 1, presented awards at the end of the three-hour event, following a social hour and banquet.
"I make a lot of appearances throughout the year, and this is one really stands out on my calendar," Ouimet remarked during the dinner.
Former Chamber president Matt LaFontaine was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year.
LaFontaine became general manager of Dexter Chevrolet on Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, when his family's Dearborn-based LaFontaine Automotive Group purchased it in February 2005.
During his acceptance speech, LaFontaine said his company's dealerships throughout the region are doing well and that he is pleased to be a part of the community.
Retiring Dexter Community Schools Superintendent Evelynn Shirk received the Spark Plug Award for keeping the Dexter community going in the right direction.
Shirk announced in December that she would retire after the current school year ends to join her husband in retirement in Florida.
She was with the district for 15 years, four of which were spent in the top spot.
Former Dexter Schools' Band Director Gerald Woolfolk, who retired last year, was aptly given the Spirit of Dexter Award.
Woolfolk, a beloved figure in the community, built a 35-year record of success in Dexter schools. "He was one of my teachers," said current Chamber President Joe Nowak.
The two had one of the more memorable exchanges of the award ceremony.
"Joe Nowak - president of the Chamber of Commerce," Woolfolk said with a sigh, before exchanging congratulations.
"It's so great to be here and see so many familiar faces in one place," Woolfolk said after the ceremony. "We're all lucky to be a part of this community."
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