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2026 Harbor Stars Nomination Survey

2026 Harbor Stars Nomination Survey

Thanks for taking the time to complete our survey by providing your nominations for Harbor Stars awards. Each question includes recent winners in each category - please do not nominate past winners! We are looking for different nominees and winners. You don't have to nominate in every category. Please provide as much detail as possible in your nomination.
Our Harbor Stars awards dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 6. The end of this survey gives you an opportunity to RSVP for the event.
1.CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD - Recognizing an individual for their lifelong contributions of time, talent and resources for the betterment of the greater Harbor Springs area. Recent winners (not eligible this year) include Dave & Ann Irish, Dick Schiller, Kathryn Breighner, Tom Trautman, Jan McDonald, Dave Kring, Karen Adams & Kaye Frang
2.VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - Presented to a volunteer who has dedicated time and energy to local events, programs and/or activities. Recent winners (not eligible this year) include Karen Adams, Carolyn Sandford, John Cupps Jr., Alivia Murphy, Mary Jane Kiogima, Cora Smith-Waite, Sally Crowley
3.MARTY VAN DE CAR COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR AWARD: Given to a person (or group) who has a genuine fondness for the Harbor Springs area and who shares their enthusiasm and inspires others to do the same. This person (or group) has contributed time and energy to various causes and made a lasting impression. Recent winners (not eligible this year) include Dave Hinz, Jenny Brower, Kyle Knight, John Baker, Harbor Springs Farmers Market, Harbor Springs Festival of the Book, Little Traverse Conservancy, Harbor Springs Community Food Pantry
4.PRESIDENT'S AWARD - Given to a business or organization that has contributed time and resources to help fulfill the mission of the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. Recent winners (not eligible this year) include Nub's Nob, HS Area Historical Society - Dan Warner, HS Car Care, Molly Ames Baker – TOPOnexus, Mike Johnson, Andy Bultman – Rocking Horse Toy Co, Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre, Scott Brown - Harbor Springs Market
5.BEAUTIFICATION & ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE AWARD - Presented to an area business that has improved the architectural beauty of our communities through new construction, unique design elements, or superior remodeling of an existing building. Recent winners (not eligible this year) include Little Traverse Bay Vet Clinic & Chip Ironside, A.R. Pontius Flower Shop, Irish Boat Shop, HS Parks & Rec Committee, Harbor Springs Garden Club, Otis of Harbor Springs, Harbor Springs Area Historical Society
6.ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Presented to an area business person who has opened a new business or made a major expansion in the past year. Recent winners (not eligible this year) include Jib Liska of My Sister's Bake Shop; Paul, Kerrie & Hannah Bianchi - Black Barn Farm, Brian Badini of Ivy Boutique, Scott Brown – IGA, Steve & Victoria McDiarmid – One Thirty-Eight Cocktail Lounge, The Spencer Family of Pond Hill Farm Katie Potts - Petoskey Cheese
7.YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD - Presented to an area business person under age 40 who has opened a new business or made a major business expansion or contribution in the past year. Recent winners (not eligible this year) include Colin Stevens of Colin's Corner Café, Nikki and Justin Law of Polished on Main, Hannah Bianchi – HS Farmers Market, Nicole Hall – Birch Tree Bakery, Chelsea Simms – Running Water, Sarah Koetje & Sarah Mayhew – Little Big
8.WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESERVE SEATS ($50) or a table of 8 ($550) with promotional features for the Harbor Stars Award Dinner on October 6th?