The Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce officially launched its newest affiliate—the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce—on a bright and joyful note with the Utica Puppy Parade! Held on Saturday, April 26 at Grant Park, this heartwarming community celebration was filled with wagging tails, big smiles, and incredible positive energy as families and local residents turned out in full force—many bringing their four-legged companions to join in the fun.

 

Presented by the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce in honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, the parade kicked off with a special moment at 1:30 PM when the swing gate at Pioneer Park was closed and a plaque was dedicated at Grant Park by Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino and Councilman Thom Dionne. Shortly after, the Eisenhower High School Marching Band—this year’s lead parade performers—stepped off from Grant Park, joined by an official escort from the Utica Fire and Police Departments, delighting crowds as they marched down Van Dyke to Pioneer Park.

 

Once the parade arrived at Pioneer Park, a vibrant stage presentation welcomed guests and continued the celebration. Mayor Gus Calandrino read the official City of Utica Resolution proclaiming April as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and invited guests to remain on stage for a heartfelt awards ceremony. Chamber CEO John Johnson, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, and Genessee County Sheriff Chris Swanson were all present to express their support and speak to the event’s purpose of honoring compassion, community, and animal welfare.

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The Chamber proudly disbursed several grants to support local animal rescue organizations and the Eisenhower High School Marching Band, totaling $2,750.

 

As part of the celebration, the Chamber honored the Eisenhower High School Marching Band with a $1,000 grant for their performance and dedication. The real stars of the day, however, were the “Special Guests”—a group of beloved rescue dogs representing outstanding local animal welfare organizations. Each rescue and pup was honored on stage with their representatives sharing their stories and mission.

 

Grant recipients included:

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🥇 $1,000 – Detroit Animal Welfare Group, represented by pup Gideon

🥈 $500 – Saving Destiny Rescue, represented by pup Chandler

🥉 $250 – Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society, represented by pup Elsie

 

The parade was held in Gideon’s honor—this brave rescue dog received lifesaving medical care thanks to a donation from the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce. He was named the event’s Guest of Honor and celebrated as a symbol of hope, second chances, and the power of community.

 

The event also featured food trucks, bounce houses, games, giveaways, and more—creating an afternoon that was just as entertaining for pups as it was for their humans. Special thanks go out to our generous event sponsors: RC Heating & Cooling, Zoomin’ Groomin, and Linda McGrail of York, Dolan & Tomlinson P.C., whose support helped bring this vision to life.

 

With this heartfelt and high-energy community celebration complete, the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce is off to a powerful start. Between the success of the Utica Puppy Parade and the upcoming SMCC Annual Golf Outing on May 16—benefiting the Sterling Heights VFW—the Chamber’s newest affiliate is well on its way to making a meaningful impact across Sterling Heights, Utica, Shelby Township, and Washington Township.