In a night of celebration and showcasing, the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce recognized several local businesses and residents for their commitment to the community during its annual awards banquet at the Portage Yacht Club in Pinckney.

Dick Lundy, treasurer of the Dexter Community Schools Board of Education, was presented the prestigious "Spirit of Dexter" award. The award is presented to a member of the community that has "gone above and beyond the business of business" and volunteers their time to local groups.

"Everyone knows Dick's name and everyone knows you can count on him because he is dedicated, wise and generous. But no one can fathom all that he does for any organization he commits to," chamber president Paula Palmer Burns said. "I believe that he has quite possibly volunteered for every non-profit in the county ... although you will find no record of it."

Some of Lundy's accomplishments include financial secretary for Dexter United Methodist Church, school board trustee, member of the Huron Valley Ambulance board, and a member of the United Way.

"Most of us who you have supported have paid you nothing, yet received so much," Palmer Burns said presenting the award to Lundy.

This year's Business of the Year award was presented to the Encore Musical Theatre for its ability to "enhance the performing arts in Washtenaw County."

"We are honoring a phenomenal organization that has brought Dexter fantastic national exposure for their work over the past year," Palmer Burns said. "The non-profit has brought productions showcasing Broadway performers and featuring top musical talent into our village. They believe that an evening with the Encore should be seeing not only a show of the highest calibur, but an experience for all who attend."

Echoeing Palmer Burns, state Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-District 52, honored the theater with a proclamation from Gov. Rick Snyder.

"Doing something in the arts is not easy and the Encore has proven to be a great asset to the area," Ouimet said.

Other award recipients this year included Mariah Fink of Fink Law LLC, who was presented the chamber's Spark Plug award for her assistance with chamber-sponsored initiatives; and Simpson Family Chiropractic, who was presnted the Rookie of the Year award, honoring new businesses in the community.

"This year's award recipient is an individual who stepped forward to fill a void and has become an invaluable asset to our board," Paula Burns said of Fink. "She has taken on responsibilities ... which has brought greater accountability and allowed for greater achievement by this organization."

Following a presentation by the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Palmer Burns encouraged chamber members to continue working together to market Dexter on a daily basis.

"Some of us might not be by definition, in the hospitality business, however, we all work together to create this sense of place that draws people to our community," Palmer Burns said. "As each of our award recepients demonstrates ... the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to offering you opportunities to sow your seeds of success."