(Chelsea Update would like to thank the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce for the information in this story.)
At the conclusion of the Jan. 17 Chelsea Downtown Development Authority meeting, ambassadors and staff from the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce surprised RK Studios LLC’s founder and owner Randy Lee with the 2018 Small Business Leadership Award.
The award is given each year to a chamber member that has shown leadership in the following areas:
- Displaying innovative ideas and services.
- Contributing to the economic impact of the Chelsea area community.
- Providing services that meet the needs of the Chelsea area community.
- Enhancing the uniqueness of the community image.
- Demonstrating leadership in their business category.
- Supporting the activities of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s very special. You think you’re under the radar then someone goes, ‘Nope, we see you and we like what you’re doing’,” said Lee.
RK Studios LLC has certainly flown below the radar. Lee is usually behind the camera at Chelsea events. He can be seen around town videotaping community meetings, community events, parades, festivals and Chamber events.
RK Studios has been in business since 2005 and is in the Glazier/Welfare building across from the Chelsea Depot.
Lee got his start writing for the Eastern Echo when he attended Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, he moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where he worked as a copywriter and then wrote and produced radio commercials, followed by TV spots.
He and a partner started a production company there in the mid-1980s.
Lee says he’s glad to be working in Chelsea and calls it a good fit. “Certainly, the opportunities are here, but the city itself has an exceptionally progressive attitude to growth while at the same time knowing when to reel it in to protect its history.”
He was nominated by Marcia White of Lehman & Scheffler Real Estate Services, who said, “We are so fortunate to have Randy behind the lens.”
The formal presentation of the 2018 Small Business Leadership award will be held on Thursday, Feb.21, during the Annual Membership Meeting of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce at the Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center.
In addition, the company will have a place of honor in the 2019 Chelsea Fair Parade.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ambassador Club, I congratulate you and your staff for receiving the 2018 Small Business Leadership Award,” said Monica Monsma, executive director of the chamber.
Lee and Phil Tollver of Smokehouse BBQ 52, who was chosen as the Large Business Leadership Award winner, will be honored at the Annual Meeting on Feb. 21.
