Royal Oak Chamber Announces Community Award Winners

Since 1948 the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce has been honoring local businesses whose spirit, generosity and commitment to the community have been unwavering. 

On Tuesday, the "Best of Royal Oak" were honored at the 66th Annual Royal Oak Community Awards ceremony at the Emagine Theatre in downtown Royal Oak. 

“The 66th Annual Community Awards is Royal Oak’s own People’s Choice Award program,” said Chamber Executive Director Shelly Kemp. “There’s so much good happening in our community – from businesses to volunteers to schools to the numerous charitable organizations. This night calls attention to the contributions happening around us every day.”

And the winner is ...

The 2013 Award Winners 

Citizen of the Year: Reverend John Miller

Community Spirit: Royal Oak Optimists Club

Business Beautification:

• Scott Shuptrine Interiors, 32301 Woodward Avenue
• Northwood Credit Union, 30606 Woodward Avenue
• Trattoria & Pizzeria da Luigi, 415 S. Washington Street
• Hamlin Corner, 386 N. Main Street
• Von Staden Architects (Rail & Anchor & Citizen Yoga) 500, 502 & 504A Washington Avenue

Police Officer of the Year: Officer Terry Oaks

Firefighter of the Year: Sergeant Mike Pennanen

Business Person of the Year: Gary Baglio

About the Winners

2013 Citizen of the Year Reverend John Miller is a long-time resident and minister of First Congregational Church. He is active with the Kiwanis Club and organizes the Pitch Hit & Run competition for area children. In addition, Miller organizes the Wahoo Baseball Team, which plays vintage baseball, Citizens for the Homeless as well as the Arts in Motion Community Arts project which raises money for the Boys & Girls Club. Miller's volunteer efforts demonstrate a willingness to donate time to charitable organizations and community projects without seeking special recognition or thanks.

The 2013 Community Spirit Award was  presented to The Royal Oak Optimists Club, which works to support youth in the community. The club’s commitment extends beyond meetings to include financial and volunteer support for school programs designed to help at-risk youth. Dating back to the founding of the Boys & Girls Club, the Optimists Club has been at the forefront of meeting the needs of youth for decades with its support of The Salvation Army, Gilda’s Club, YMCA, Challenge Day, Reaching Higher, Bike Safety Day and so much more.  The Optimists Oratorical and Essay contests provide tangible challenges to area students and give them the opportunity to learn to present their thoughts and ideas to a welcoming adult audience and qualify for scholarships. Its unselfish sole mission is to daily improve the lives of today’s youth.

2013 Business Person of the Year Gary Baglio is the owner of Five 15 Media & More and President of the Royal Oak Association of Retailers. He is greatly responsible for helping reinvigorate retail in Downtown Royal Oak with the development of the Shop Local campaign in 2010 and the This is Royal Oak campaign in 2011. He has organized numerous successful events – including Ladies Night Out and Chalk & Chocolate – that  have driven thousands of people to downtown Royal Oak, helping to boost business for individual retailers and raise monies for charities. As president of the Royal Oak Retailer’s Association, he has helped strengthen the relationship between the Retailers and the Restaurants AND forged new relationships with the City and Chamber of Commerce. Baglio dedicates time to make our city better. He sits on the DDA, the CMC (a subcommittee of the DDA) and the newly developed Royal Oak Economic Committee, which works to shape the future of the City of Royal Oak.  Baglio is a liaison to the Royal Oak Restaurant Association and a member of the Royal Oak Chamber’s Community Relations Committee. 

Source: Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce