Second annual MyPros Young Professionals Awards celebrates local talent

The Midland Young Professionals (MYPros) recently hosted the second annual Young Professional (YP) Awards event on December 5 at the NADA Center at Northwood University. The Midland Area Chamber of Commerce-affiliated group created the YP Awards to recognize, encourage, and honor young professionals in the Midland community who are creating change and taking leadership roles.

“The MyPros Young Professional Awards are just one of the ways we’re recognizing our under-forty business leaders in and around Midland,” says Melissa Farley, of Director of Special Events with the Midland Business Alliance. “The group is a really great mix of young talent, new businesses and growth in our region.”

The event, sponsored by Warner, Wellington, Ltd, Members First Credit Union, Midland Center for the Arts, Eastman’s Forgotten Ciders and Heather ‘n Holly, attracted nearly 50 young professionals to the Midland Center for the Arts for an overview of recent activities, what’s in store for 2018, and the announcement of award winners.

Andrea Foster, community program manager for Little Forks Conservancy earned the Rising Star Award, given to a young professional who demonstrates noteworthy professional achievement, leadership, and a commitment to bettering the Midland area. Other nominees included Grant Murschel and Emily Schafer.

The Stewardship Award went to several Midland area leaders including Rebecca Cox, Jon Lynch and Sharon Mortensen for their contribution to the advancement of one or more young professionals’ careers.

The Newcomer Award was given to Dan Strong, financial advisor with Halcyon Financial Group for being a new MYPros member who exemplified enthusiasm and boldness, and was a regular attender of MYPros events. Other nominees included Matt Shoffner and Nicole Kubacki.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award went to Dustin Neumeyer, owner of Aberro Creative for his success in operating and financing a business in Midland. Other nominees for this award included Eric McKeller, Ben Marsh and Jacob Spence.

“Our second annual YP Awards highlighted some of the region’s best up and coming talent and leaders working to make our community a great place to grow, develop and work,” says Farley. “Congratulations to each of the 2018 YP Award winners and nominees.”

For more information about MYPros and the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.macc.org.