Jan. 23—TRAVERSE CITY — Retiring U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow was honored by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance with its inaugural Legacy Award for her efforts supporting Northern Michigan's small businesses, farmers and the local economy.
"The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance has greatly appreciated Sen. Stabenow's leadership and long-standing partnership since the earliest days of her first term," said Nikki Devitt, president of the Petoskey Regional Chamber and the Alliance Chair. "As Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, (her)) advocacy for Northern Michigan's farmers and food industry has been invaluable, in addition to her support for infrastructure and education projects that have received funding throughout her time in the United States Senate."
As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Stabenow created the first speciality crop title in Farm Bill history in 2008 to help Michigan's fruit and vegetable producers.
The 2014 Farm Bill created the Regional Conservation Partnership Program to help form local initiatives between agriculture and conservation groups to preserve land and water and improve hunting and fishing.
Alliance officials also lauded Stabenow's continued support for workforce housing, expanded broadband service and business financing.
The Alliance announced the award at Friday's sixth annual Policy Conference held at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in Acme, although Stabenow was unable to attend because of downstate weather problems.
"It's my honor to receive this award from an organization that's laser-focused on strengthening Northern Michigan's businesses, communities and future," Sen. Stabenow said in a media release announcing the award. "I've always fought to bring resources and investments to Northern Michigan, and I'll continue my work to keep this area a great place to work, start a business and raise a family."