Semmerling, Tacconelli's recipients of yearly Bessemer chamber awards

BESSEMER - Tacconelli's to Go was presented with the 2013 Business of the Year award at the Saturday Bessemer Chamber of Commerce membership banquet.

Tacconelli's was honored for being a mainstay in the Bessemer community.

Peter and Vera Tacconelli were on hand to accept the award and were thanked for their consistent support of community events and being such "good neighbors."

Butch Semmerling was awarded 2013 Volunteer of Year honors for his support of many Bessemer events.

"His love for the community is evident in all he does to make Bessemer a great place to live," said a spokesman.

The banquet was at the Bessemer VFW.

A pork dinner was prepared by Larry Miskovich and Grace Maki. The pig for the meal was purchased by the chamber at the Gogebic County Fair and was raised by Nikki Lekies, a junior at A.D. Johnston High School and a member of the 4-H Market Animal Club.

Lekies gave a presentation to the group explaining the process of raising a market animal.

Dick Steiger, treasurer of the Bessemer Historical Society, spoke about the 2014 Bessemer History Calendar.

A variety of local businesses donated items and a silent auction was held. Some of the items included smoked hams and bacon from Lekies' hog.

The newly elected chamber consists of president Veronica Miskovich, vice president Betty Lou Miskovich, secretary Amanda Burrows and treasurer Donna Frello.

The new board looks forward to serving the community and businesses and will meet the first week in February, said a spokesman.

The board thanked outgoing chamber president Linda Nelson and secretary Sue Wright for their dedication and hard work last year.

For more information on the chamber, contact Veronica Miskovich 906-663-4415 or Donna Frello at 906-663-0237.