Bob Pierce and Nadine Anderson named Lifetime Achievement winners (with slideshow)

When Bob Pierce walked into Thompson’s Pizza Thursday afternoon, the last thing he expected to see was a photographer posed to take his photo and a room full of people singing “for he’s a jolly good fellow.”

The former Chelsea business owner and Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director was “ambushed” by a group of folks excited to congratulate him as this year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient along with his wife, Nadine Anderson.

Among the people gathered for the surprise were former winners of the award, past and present Chelsea chamber employees, and numerous chamber members.

After helping to organize surprise announcements for numerous former Lifetime Achievement and Citizen of the Year winners, Pierce said it was much easier to be on that side of an “ambush” rather than being on the receiving end.

“I never expected it and I really don’t know what to say, but thank you,” Pierce said.

Both Pierce and his wife, Nadine Anderson, were nominated by quite a few people for their years of service to the community said current Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica Monsma and the accolades were extensive.

He was invited to ride in a convertible in the Chelsea Community Fair Parade on Aug. 24 and later this fall, will be honored at a banquet on Oct. 24 at the Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center.  

“To Bob and Nadine, two of the finest people who have ever lived in Chelsea,” said Chamber Board President Paul Schissler, in a toast.