The Cedarville branch of the First National Bank of St. Ignace was named the 2009 Business of the Year by the Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce at its annual banquet at Ang-Gio's Restaurant in Cedarville Wednesday, November 4. Pictured are (from left) Missy DeWick, Pat O'Brien, Joanne Waybrant, Linda Williams, and Shelly Otto. (Photograph by Amy Polk) The Cedarville branch of First National Bank of St. Ignace was named by the Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce as the 2009 Business of the Year. The bank received the award during the chamber's annual banquet Wednesday, November 4, at Ang- Gio's Restaurant in Cedarville.

Branch manager Joanne Waybrant, who accepted the award on behalf of the bank, said it's extremely gratifying for the bank to be recognized for its many years of community involvement. First National Bank of St. Ignace opened the branch in Cedarville in 1958, and has been involved in the community since.

"I don't want to be boastful, but working for the bank is a privilege," she said. "The board of directors and the bank itself is very committed to community, and it shows. We help out with lots of things and I appreciate working for them."

The branch has five employees, Pat O'Brien, Linda Williams, Missy DeWick, Shelly Otto, and Mrs. Waybrant, who is also the treasurer and secretary of the Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber President Diane Patrick said the bank was selected based on its contributions to the community, community participation, community commitment, good presentation, good community role model, good business networking, products and service to the community, regular business hours, and providing good service to its customers. The winner was chosen based on the cumulative score of all categories. She said the bank received the most nominations from chamber members.

"The bank was chosen," she said, "because they've always been there supporting every event. Every effort that we do, they're behind us. They're big helpers financially in all the little fundraisers, and they're big in volunteering their help. They're a focal point of the community."

Mrs. Waybrant said the bank participates in many community events each year, including Snowsfest, Fourth of July celebrations, and the Cedarville Blizzard snowmobile race. In the last year, the bank won first place in the 2008 Les Cheneaux holiday decoration contest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, was recognized by the Les Cheneaux Advisory Committee for the best kept and most appealing business landscaping, and received an honorable mention for its cardboard canoe cut-out float in the Fourth of July parade in Cedarville.

"Every holiday," she said, "if you come into the bank, we're decorated up. For Snowsfest we do snow sculptures. Our employees are out there in the cold doing that. Fourth of July we're in the parade. I think we're very involved the community."

Mrs. Patrick added, "These gals do have fun. They're always there in costume, celebrating, and participating in every event with big smiles on their faces."

The branch also received the award for its contributions to Les Cheneaux Community Schools. This year it purchased a four-person ice shanty to be given away during the Shanty Town on Muskie Bay fundraising ice fishing contest to benefit the schools, and donated $1,000 to the Fund the Future campaign to eliminate the district's budget deficit.

Mrs. Waybrant said the bank is willing to contribute any way it can in the Les Cheneaux community.

"We donate toward the school, we support the township, and anything that's going on in the community. The bank gives support if we're asked for contributions, and if we're asked to help, we're willing to do it," she said.

First National Bank of St. Ignace President Jim North said he is delighted the Cedarville branch was recognized for all it does in the community. The branch has the freedom to be involved in community fundraisers and events, he said, and doesn't have to check in with the main branch in St. Ignace.

Mr. North said he was excited to notify the bank's board of directors about the award at its Tuesday, November 10, meeting. The board of directors includes chairman Prentiss M. Brown, Jr., second vice chairman Paul Brown, secretary Mr. North, Charles Brown, Prentiss Brown III, Paul Bush, James Chambers, R. Daniel Musser III, Jack Swope, and Frank Taylor. The bank also has locations in St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, Naubinway, and Newberry,

"The tribute goes to the branch staff there; it's their award," Mr. North said. "The average employee has been there for 13 years, and that really helps with customer service."