Rogols, Lodi Trading Co. honored at annual Chamber luncheon
KALKASKA – While it wasn’t a complete surprise, since the announcement had been made a week earlier, excitement echoed through the Kalkaska Church of Christ gathering hall last Wednesday, April 24, as local officials and dignitaries waited to applaud the 2019 Kalkaska Business and Citizen of the Year honorees.
This year’s winners were Lodi Trading Company as the Business of the Year, while Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Administrator/CEO Kevin Rogols received the Citizen of the Year honor.
Upon receiving their awards, both praised their community and its residents.
“I’m really proud to be a part of this great community,” said Rogols, “Thank you very much.”
As the top executive at KMHC, Rogols is helping oversee a more than $14-million expansion and upgrade to the community-owned medical facility.
According to nominators, Rogols moved to the community five years ago with his wife Kathy. “He has been instrumental in the growth and success of KMHC over the last several years and also goes above and beyond to serve the local community outside of his professional role.
“Under his leadership, KMHC recently received two distinguished awards: the 2019 Governor’s Award of Excellence and was named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country.
“Kevin, himself, has been an active part of Brownfield Development and Kalkaska Rotary, and regularly attends township and village meetings, supporting as many events around the community as possible,” nominators added.
Accepting the Kalkaska Business of the Year Award, Lodi Trading Company owner Zack Cox spoke on behalf of his wife and family.
“Upon announcement of the award, Dennis Mansfield (from the Kalkaska Review) called to get some comments,” Cox told the crowd. “He asked if I was surprised. I said no … that we were just waiting around for the phone to ring with the announcement,” he added, sharing a laugh with luncheon attendees.
“But seriously,” Cox said, “I told him that we were absolutely surprised. We are proud of our business and community. Our goal has always been pretty simple – to take care of people very well, and treat others the way you want to be treated. And it’s really great that people appreciate that.”