Business & Tech

Burger Baron Craig Culver Joins Salute to Lake Orion Business Person of the Year

Culver's of Lake Orion is one of the restaurant chain's top franchises in the region.

A news release:

When the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce honors Joe Zimmer as its 2013 Business Person of the Year next week, among those on hand will be Craig Culver, CEO and co-founder of the nationwide chain of Culver’s restaurants.

Culver will be flying in from his company’s headquarters in Prairie du Sac, WI, for the event recognizing Zimmer’s success and contributions to the community. Zimmer is the owner of Culver's of Lake Orion, which he opened in 2008. His Culver’s franchise is among the top in the region, which includes the 20 Culver’s stores in eastern Michigan.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Culver said he is delighted that Zimmer is being recognized by the community. “Hospitality is something Culver’s holds near and dear to our hearts,” he said. “Every day, Joe Zimmer and his team do the right things to assure that that every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy.”

In 1984 Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig’s parents George and Ruth, opened the first Culver’s restaurant in Sauk City, WI. Today, there are nearly 500 Culver’s restaurants in 21 states, including 40 in Michigan.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The Business Person of the Year award will be presented at the Chamber’s Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at King’s Court Castle in Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Road, in Lake Orion. Tickets are available through the Chamber’s website: www.orionareachamber.com. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations by Monday, Dec. 2, to ensure a seat.

Each year, the Chamber recognizes an outstanding professional who not only runs a successful local business but also reflects commitment to the local community through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. Honorees are members of the Chamber who make contributions to the long-term success of other local businesses and community organizations.

"We are so grateful to have Joe's serving heart and spirit in Lake Orion," said Dawn Neely, President, Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. "In addition to his business expertise, his dedication to the community is evident in everything he does."

Since opening his restaurant, Zimmer has given back $125,000 to the community through fundraisers and donations. The popular classic car events at Culver's have raised money for various Lake Orion school activities. Zimmer is a Lion's Club member and founded the local Kiwanis Club, as well as the Key Club at Lake Orion High School, which encourages students to give back to the community.

Joe and Sue Zimmer have been married 44 years. They have three daughters who have graduated from Lake Orion High School, as well as four granddaughters.

Zimmer is the fifth Chamber member to be recognized as Business Person of the Year. In addition to being honored at the holiday luncheon, he will be recognized as part of the Orion Area Holiday Lighted Parade on Dec. 7. Photos of the Business Persons of the Year will also be displayed at the Chamber's new office at 46-B West Shadbolt in downtown Lake Orion.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Oakland Township-Lake Orion