1/24/14 - Brent Earl, whose ancestors were among the first pioneers who settled in the Howell area, has been named the Howell âCitizen of the Yearâ for 2013. Earl was given the honor at the 57th Annual Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Thursday evening at the Johnson Center of Cleary University. While Earl is extremely active in the community and is a member of numerous organizations, he tells WHMI his greatest passion is seeing the Howell Opera House renovation completed so that the second floor can be opened to the public. Earl has been instrumental in the success of past fund-raising drives for the Opera House. Announcement of the award was made by the 2012 citizen of the year, Howell Carnegie District Library Director Kathleen Zaenger. Other people and organizations honored at the banquet include Lou Van Cuyl, who received the Making It Happen award for his work in improving the Livingston County Veterans Memorial; the city of Howell got the Business Friendly award for its efforts to create a brand for the city and make it more open to prospective new businesses; Adam Merkel of Diamonds Steak and Seafood garnered the Young Professional award by making Diamonds a âdestinationâ restaurant. Finally, three organizations were chosen for Outstanding Community Investment awards, including the Livingston County EMS Services for its new facility near the airport, the 2/42 Community Church for converting a former athletic club building into a church and community center, and the Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport for its new terminal. The new slate of Howell Chamber officers for 2014 were also announced at the meeting. Last yearâs chairman, Becky Best, introduced the new officers, including Steve LaCommare, chairman; Ron Long, vice chairman; Sandie Cortez, treasurer; and Glynis McBain, secretary. (TT)
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