The Local Gems Sweepstakes wrapped up earlier this week when Oakland County Executive David Coulter presented this year’s winners with cash prizes at The Rocket in Ferndale.
“I’m so proud of stores like this, not just in Ferndale, but across Oakland County,” Coulter said. “These small businesses are truly the heartbeat of our local communities. The reason we do this sweepstakes every year is to help shine a light on great places like The Rocket.”
Rocket owner Eli Morissey thanked the county for holding the contest. “It brings a lot of awareness to local businesses, and we really need that, especially in this day and age of online shopping.”
Garo Danayan of Huntington Woods won the grand prize of $1,000 for submitting The Rocket as his local gem. Bret Rasegan of Rochester Hills won second place and $500 for submitting McCauley Chiropractor in Rochester. Julie Decker of Oak Park was the third-place winner of $250 for her entry featuring The Vintage Farmhouse in Holly.
“So not only by shopping local do you keep dollars in your community, but you’re also supporting someone’s dream. All these local shops that I go into are someone’s dream,” Decker said. The sweepstakes winners were randomly selected from a pool of 1,000 photo entries. More than 675 unique businesses across 46 communities were submitted as a Local Gem. Genisys Credit Union partnered with Oakland County and provided the cash prizes.
About Local Gems Sweepstakes
Oakland County’s Economic Development Department organizes the Local Gems Sweepstakes with assistance from Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive. Genysis Credit Union is the financial sponsor.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.