The 2018 Community Awards Gala Achieves Success

The Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce celebrated achievement at the 2018 Community Awards Gala. Held last Friday at The Legend at Brandybrook, the Community Awards Gala recognized 15 businesses, and non-profits, and educators for their significant achievements and impact in the Pewaukee and Lake Country area.

The keynote speech was delivered by Kurt Bauer, CEO and President of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) as he spoke to the pro-business initiatives the organization has implemented in Wisconsin. WMC is the state’s leading business association.

The award ceremony, conducted by Dick Strassburger, President of the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce was met with thunderous applause when the Persons of the Year was revealed – the Pewaukee Fire Department. Normally an individual award, the Chamber decided to bestow this on the entire Pewaukee Fire Department for their brave handling of the NCL Graphics fire, among many others, and their continuous community outreach.

Also a first, The Chamber President’s Award was bestowed upon a community initiative rather than an individual or business. Dementia Friendly Pewaukee, a grass-roots initiative made up of businesses and community leaders that bring awareness and training to organizations who engage with those afflicted with dementia was given the honors.

Recipients of the 2018 Community Awards includes:

Business of the Year: Ashley Furniture and Appliance Mart in Pewaukee

Entrepreneur of the Year: Tammra Reiss, The Salt Room

Employee of the Year: Nadia Tremblay, Two Men And A Truck

Non-Profit of the Year: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

President's Award of the Year: Dementia Friendly Pewaukee

Volunteer of the Year: Janella VanRens, TLX Technologies

Persons of the Year: Pewaukee Fire Department

Insight Business of the Year: Aurora Health Care

Educators of the Year: Karen Maderski, Colleen Rooney, Jeff Cattarozzle, Tasha Igielski, Dan Duss of Pewaukee Schools

Educator Volunteer of the Year: Jim and Kathy Kees

(pictured above is Mark Hoppe, Assistant Fire Chief along with Dick Strassburger, President of the Pewaukee Chamber of Commerce)