Muskegon’s Future 15 Emerging Leaders Recognized

future 15Fifteen of the Muskegon Lakeshore’s up and coming young professionals were recognized for contributing to the growth and success of their company/organization and the positive impact they are making in the Muskegon Lakeshore community. Now in its third year, the Future 15 awards program recognizes emerging young leaders making a difference along the Muskegon Lakeshore.

More than 40 nominations were submitted for young professionals that live or work in Muskegon County.  “This awards program is really flourishing,” says Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. “As the next generation of professionals is becoming more influential in our community, it is important that they are recognized for the contributions being made to the area’s economy and quality of life.”

A selection committee, consisting of seven young professionals that were among the 2014 Future 15 award recipients, gathered to determine who this year’s Future 15 would be. After careful review of the nominations, this year’s Future 15 emerging young leaders are as follows:

  • Joseph Crowley, Anderson Global
  • Frank Peterson, City of Muskegon
  • Andrew Zahrt, LongerDays.com
  • Josh Wallace, McKenzie-Price Agency, Inc.
  • Brittany Lenertz, Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana
  • Jonathan Wilson, Muskegon County Economic Development
  • Amber Cahill, Orchard View Adult Education
  • Don Kalisz, Revel
  • David Matuzeski, Riversedge Photography
  • Jennifer Vanderstelt, Service 1 Federal Credit Union
  • Kristi Kettler, Sparrow Boutique
  • Jamie Helsen, United Way of the Lakeshore
  • Mark Gongalski, Unruly Brewing Company and Rebel Pies
  • Laurel Sass, Watermark 920
  • Adam Zuwerink, West Michigan Law, P.C.

These 15 finalists were recognized at a Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on June 18, 2015 at The Deck at Pere Marquette Beach.

This After Hours event was unique in the way it brought together our area’s young professionals. Not only were theFuture 15 awarded, but more than 50 area interns from 25 Muskegon companies attended as part of Interns on Deck.

In its sixth year, Interns on Deck gathers summer interns from Muskegon Lakeshore businesses and provides them with an opportunity to meet one another and tour the Muskegon Lakeshore community.  The goal is to showcase what Muskegon has to offer in hopes that the interns will consider moving to or staying in Muskegon upon graduating college and completing their internship. The event is hosted by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Alcoa Howmet.