/ Citation Award / Chemical Financial Corporation
Michigan 4-H Youth Development has been privileged to share a 27-year partnership with Chemical Financial Corporation benefitting both from their organizational and financial leadership talents in support of Michigans young people. Chemical Financial Corporation has shared its highest executive expertise with 4-H through trusteeships of two corporate presidents Alan Ott, a foundation trustee from 1988 to 1999 and current trustee emeritus, and David B. Ramaker, a trustee from 2003 to 2012. Together, their combined leadership has served to help generate in excess of $2.1 million in private support for Michigan 4-H programs. Mr. Ott would annually take the lead with Chemical Bank at the forefront in the annual bankers campaign for Michigan 4-H. Mr. Ramaker has continued that tradition of Chemical Financial leadership support by being the first corporation to document a six-figure capital campaign pledge in 2012 for Michigan 4-H. This support of 4-H is not limited to the corporate offices in Midland. Chemical Bank Branches have been local partners in recognizing the contributions and achievements of community 4-H youth and volunteers. Employees of Chemical Bank branches across Michigan have annually served as auctioneers, billing clerks, photographers, ticket sellers and cashiers at county 4-H fairs. Other Chemical Bank employees have served as volunteers of local community 4-H clubs; and also help to professionally steward the long-term investments of both state and county 4-H programs. The corporations historical charitable support has served to annually help underwrite 4-H volunteer training scholarships, supported community awards and banquets, advanced statewide 4-H program development and provided annual support for areas of greatest need for Michigan 4-H Youth Development. Chemical Financial was also a lead donor in the campaign for 4-Hs Kettunen Center sponsoring the Lower Mawby Lounge that connects the Aspen and Birch residential lodges. They continue today as a corporate citizen committed to supporting the work that Michigan 4-H does for their communities young people.
Because of 4-H, I get to travel to places I may not otherwise visit. In our travel club, we visit different places, see new sites, experience different ways to travel, and learn about new cultures. Because of 4-H, I got a passport!
— Lauren Eichhorn, Menominee County
Become a permanent part of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden by sponsoring a brick! Bricks can be donated in your name; in honor of a family, friend or club; or in memory of loved ones. Learn more: Sponsor a brick!.
he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!