Business & Tech

DMA Celebrates the Holidays

Duluth Merchants Association honors Albert Marquez as Merchant of the Year at Christmas Party.

Albert Marquez was honored as the “Merchant of the Year” at the Duluth Merchants Association’s Christmas Party Dec. 4.

Jim Johnson, outgoing 2012 DMA president, singled out Marquez, who has administered the DMA’s website for the past 14 years. Marquez, an adventure travel specialist, is the owner of Duluth-based Planet Earth Adventures, which arranges tours and excursions in Alaska.

Al Brown, incoming DMA 2013 president, presented a plaque to Johnson in recognition of his service as president for the past year.

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Rayann Larsen, owner of The Work Spot where the party was held, is the new DMA vice president. Steve Eckman will become secretary. John Monk will serve as treasurer. New DMA leaders will take office in January.

Musical entertainment was provided by DMA members Bill & Sheri Eppright of Positive Public Image Inc. Bill, a guitarist, and Sheri, a keyboardist, sang a medley of their favorite songs and carols. The Epprights also led a holiday trivia contest with a musical theme and a sing-along.

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Party guests also enjoyed a buffet of Cajun food from Boudreaux's Café Acadiana.

Yee Kue handed out discount coupons for iBangkok, a Thai restaurant that just opened on Buford Highway.

In the spirit of the season, DMA members brought gift cards and toys to be donated to a local charity.

The DMA regularly meets the first Tuesday of each month at local businesses.


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