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MBN on the Road | Tim Daman, Lansing Regional Chamber, Nyshell Lawrence, Socialight at LRCC 2025 Annual Dinner

Michigan Business Network: LRCC awards


LRCC-Horizontal-Logo-RGBRecipients were Honored at the LRCC Annual Dinner February 27th

 
LANSING, Mich. – The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) honor the recipients of four major awards at the LRCC’s Annual Dinner Thursday, February 27, at the Lansing Center.

The award recipients include:
  • Outstanding Small Business: Güd Marketing
  • Community Service Award: Ashley Smith, Co-Owner and Associate Broker, Oasis Realty
  • Diversity Star Award (in partnership with LEAP): Socialight Society
  • Legacy Award: General Motors

Watch Tim Daman and Nyshell Lawrence share insight on the evening in the YouTube video shared below:

“Our Annual Dinner is a time to reflect on the incredible achievements of the past year and to honor businesses and community leaders that are moving our region forward with their innovation and dedication,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC (left). “It is also an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to creating a future for Lansing that is rich with growth and opportunity.”

Community Service Award: Ashley Smith, Co-Owner and Associate Broker, Oasis Realty
 
A lifelong resident of the greater Lansing area, Smith enjoys spending time volunteering in the community as a trustee for the Capital Area District Library Board, president of the Ingham County Animal Shelter Fund, board member of the Everett Alumni Association and Transcendence Performing Arts Center, and as a member of Lansing Junior League and the Care Free Medical events committee. She is also on the board of the Women’s Council of Realtors of Lansing to help bring education and professional development to local real estate agents. In 2023, she became co-owner and associate broker of Oasis Realty. Her favorite part of real estate is helping her clients reach their home buying goals, especially first time homebuyers.
 
Outstanding Small Business Award: Güd Marketing
Güd Marketing is a fully integrated marketing and communications agency dedicated to impacting communities for the greater good. With a team of nearly 50 marketing professionals, Güd Marketing is committed to building a better, more equitable future by utilizing the power of communications to promote positive outcomes. Although the organization was founded in 1978, over the past decade, Güd Marketing has exclusively partnered with government and nonprofit organizations to connect public audiences with services and resources that benefit individuals and strengthen communities. Güd Marketing is a category expert in dedicated areas of focus, including housing, environmental sustainability, education, and community infrastructure.
 
Diversity Star Award: Socialight Society
Socialight Society is an independent bookstore founded by Nyshell Lawrence with a mission to amplify the voices of Black women. Located in Lansing, Michigan. Socialight Society celebrates Black literature, curating books that reflect the diverse experiences, strength, and resilience of Black women. More than a bookstore, it’s a community space for cultural connection, hosting events, discussions, and storytelling gatherings that bring together readers, authors, and creatives. Through thoughtful partnerships and events, Socialight Society builds bridges within the community and fosters an environment where Black women feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.
“Socialight Society exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Through her passion and dedication, Nyshell Lawrence (left) has not only built a thriving business but also created a platform that uplifts and empowers our community, and specifically that of Black women. LEAP is proud to have supported Nyshell’s journey and to see her receive the Diversity Star Award, which reflects her incredible contributions to equity and inclusion in the Lansing region,” said Tony Willis, chief equity development officer at LEAP.
Legacy Award: General Motors
The Legacy Award was created to recognize organizations for their long-time commitment as dedicated members and investors in the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. The LRCC proudly recognizes General Motors as a Chamber member and investor for 70 years. General Motors is a global leader in the future of mobility and transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs.  GM proudly operates two assembly plants, two stamping plants and a distribution center in the Lansing region.
Since 1982, the LRCC has presented the Outstanding Small Business Award to recognize a local small business that embodies stability, innovation, a commitment to community, perseverance, and diversity.

First awarded in 1948, the Community Service Award celebrates outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in giving their time and expertise to the community. These individuals demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in all they do, serving as an inspiration to the Lansing region.

“The LRCC Annual Dinner Awards highlight the exceptional talent and commitment in our business community,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “This event is an opportunity to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to the economic health and prosperity of the Lansing region.”

Established in 2021 through a partnership between the LRCC and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), the Diversity Star Award honors companies and organizations within the Lansing region that demonstrate a solid commitment to advancing equity and creating inclusive environments, champion efforts for diversity and equitable practices in the workplace and beyond, support underserved and underrepresented employees and communities and contribute to a more just and equitable region.

“The Diversity Star award underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive business community, where diverse voices and perspectives contribute to our collective success,” said Tony Willis, chief equity development Officer, LEAP. “Top-tier talent exists in every demographic, and the best-performing businesses recognize this by adopting DEI principles to attract and retain diverse talent.”

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About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. No mid-Michigan business stands alone when they are a member of the Chamber. For 124 years, the Lansing Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. More information about LRCC and its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org, Facebook, Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@lansingchamber) and LinkedIn.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/justin-lee/autumn-mornings
License code: MSN7GUSBZ0YICNUV

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