1/25/13 - Kathleen Zaenger has been named the Howell Chamber of Commerceâs Citizen of the Year. Zaenger is director of Howell Carnegie District Library and the announcement was made at last nightâs 56th Annual Dinner & Citizen of the Year Presentation that event honors members, leaders and those who make a difference in the community. The big award is always kept closely guarded and this year's secret honor was revealed at the end of the evening by the 2011 Citizen of the Year Steve Manor, who detailed her energy, love of coffee mixed with hot chocolate, yoga and community. Zaenger was visibly surprised by the honor and was joined by family, friends and co-workers who sneaked in during the presentation. She tells WHMI she has been in the community a long time and was completely surprised and pleased by the honor, especially when considering those who have been selected in the past. Highlights and chamber successes over the past year were also detailed and 2012 was described as one of change. It was stated that the chamber made it through some of the toughest economic times known by changing how it does business, adopting different attitudes and using different technologies. Some success stories shared included was the groundbreaking of the Latson Road/I-96 interchange, the Thailand and Howell trade visits with various leaders as Thai Summit will be making the city the hub of its North American headquarters and multiple projects serving as examples of collaboration. A Life Member Award went to Dennis Gehringer, the Making a Difference Award to the Livingston County Hunger Council; Making it Happen Awards went to Mike Kennedy and Susan Pominville while the Young Professional Award was given to Jesse Parsley. Finally, the Outstanding Architectural Investment Award was to Casa de Bella. (JM)
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