The Keweenaw Recognizes the Most Impactful Projects and People in 2023

Among the glitz and glam of award season, one region highlighted those that made a difference in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Last night the Keweenaw community hosted the area’s annual SparkPlug Awards to recognize major projects, impactful community members, and area businesses at the Memorial Union Ballroom on Michigan Tech’s campus. New Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce board member Amanda Makela led the evening that saw live entertainment from local musician Bob Hiltunen. In 2023 the copper country saw many wonderful projects completed, says Chamber Manager Katie Schlief, and impactful businesses and people grow, that the Chamber, KEDA, Copper Shores, KYP, and MTEC SmartZone had many difficult decisions to make to determine the year’s eight award winners.

In 2023 the City of Houghton completed work along the waterfront dismantling the Lakeshore Drive parking deck after recently finishing the waterfront pier. The area has become a centerpiece of the downtown with open views, and plenty of activity throughout the year, earning Houghton Project of the Year.

In customer Service CopperWorld of Calumet earned the top award from a field of 16 well-deserving nominees.

In the Growth Category, Frozen Farms Company took home the honor of developing its other side of the business, The Copper Scoop.

For the hard work to bring together the Portage Health Foundation, Dial Help, and Copper Country Senior Meals under one entity, the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation earned the Innovation/Transformation Sparkplug.

For tackling the region’s snow and clearing out the driveway so people can get to work on time, Troy Bouman of All UP Snow earned Young Professional of the Year.

Community Contributor of the Year was given 31 backpacks for their mission to combat child food insecurity in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw counties. Since starting the non-profit organization Laurel and Melissa Maki have helped identify more than 450 students in need of assistance. 31 backpacks send meals home with kids to last throughout the weekend and during winter and spring breaks.

First Responder of the Year was awarded to Annette Butina, one of many proud Copper Country female firefighters keeping the community safe.

And last but not least the youth contributor of the year was awarded to Aidan Trathen.

Congratulations to everyone awarded a Spakplug award and to those nominated for their contributions to the community.

Photos and videos from the Sparkplug Award ceremony are thanks to Brockit Inc., Devin Leonarduzzi, and Paint River Creative Co. Floral arrangements in the evening were thanks to the work of Flowers by Sleeman. Those interested in learning more about the Keweenaw Community Spark Plug awards or viewing photos and videos from the evening can find here.