A Special-Lite glass award engraved with “Market One Economic Pioneer 2026” sits on a wooden table between two potted plants in an office setting, proudly symbolizing the recipient’s achievement as a true Economic Pioneer Award honoree.

Special-Lite Honored with Market One Economic Pioneer of the Year Award

Key Takeaways

  • Special-Lite received the Economic Pioneer of the Year Award for its commitment to innovation and community impact during Market One’s annual awards celebration.
  • The event recognized local organizations contributing to economic development in two Michigan counties—Cass and Van Buren.
  • Special-Lite was honored for its leadership in job creation and economic investment.

Special-Lite was recognized for its commitment to innovation, growth, and community impact during Market One’s sixth annual awards celebration. The event was held in late June at Marion Magnolia Farms.

The annual event brought together business leaders, community partners, and local officials from Cass and Van Buren counties. It recognized organizations and municipalities making significant contributions to the region’s economic development.

Among the evening’s highest honors was the Economic Pioneer of the Year Award, Market One’s second-highest recognition. It was presented to Special-Lite for its leadership in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and strengthening the communities it serves.

“Businesses and municipalities across Cass and Van Buren counties continue to make remarkable progress and deserve recognition for their achievements,” said Dan Peat, Interim Executive Director of Market One, in a press release. “We are honored to celebrate these organizations, whose innovation, resilience, and leadership play a vital role in strengthening our regional economy.”

A man in a gray suit speaks at a podium during an awards event. A screen behind him displays “Economic Pioneer of the Year, Special-Lite, Decatur, Michigan,” celebrating Special-Lite’s achievements in the Market One sector.

The Economic Pioneer of the Year Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership through job creation, innovative approaches to workforce retention, product and service innovation, meaningful contributions to the local economy, and a strong commitment to serving customers and the community.

During the award presentation, Market One highlighted Special-Lite’s continuous ability to adapt in a changing economic landscape while investing in new products, employees, and the communities it serves.

“We are incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished over the past year,” said Shelby Brooks, Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications at Special-Lite. “Job creation combined with economic investment in our company and our community are essential for success,” said Shelby Brooks, Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications at Special-Lite.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Market One and congratulate all of this year’s award recipients,” Brooks added.

Seven people stand indoors posing for a group photo; one person in the center holds an Economic Pioneer Award. A "Market One" backdrop and a presentation screen are visible in the background, highlighting Special-Lite’s achievements.

Brooks represented Special-Lite at the event. She was joined by the company’s President and COO, Alex Esposito, Chief Financial Officer Cassandra Brautigam, and Chief People and Information Officer Frank Caron.

The 2026 Market One award recipients also included:

Event photography by Scott Rose.

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