It was a night of humility and thankfulness as the Chamber of Manitowoc County handed out its annual Awards of Distinction.
The highlight of the evening at the Capitol Civic Center was undoubtedly the honoring of Tom Drill, a man who has earned the moniker Mr. Manitowoc.
He was given the Joseph P. Schmitt “Speak Up” Award and was incredibly honored.
He gave his speech in a different location.
“I’m a very, very lucky man and very blessed over all these years,” he stated. “I’ve had man,y many happy moments and very few sad moments. I am forever grateful. My smile I think appears during my nighttime dreams. I feel honored to be a part of this magnificent family, especially this group.”
This year’s Collaboration Award went to the Boys & Girls Club of Manitowoc County,
Grow it Forward, the YMCA, Southfield Learning Center, and the Two Rivers Public School District for their Summer Food program.
Grow It Forward CEO Amber Daugs recognized the community that comes together to help.
“It was because of the work of our partners at Two Rivers Public School District, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Southfield Learning Center, No Kid Hungry, Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, and so many others, including the West Foundation,” she listed. “This work could have not been done.”
Grow it Forward was also named the Non-Profit of the Year for a second year in a row.
The Chamber highlighted the organization’s work during the government shutdown.
Daugs stated, “Honestly, we are just so very grateful for this community for the way that they step up.” We want to continue to expand our great work so right now we actually working on a tri-county impact in Manitowoc County and Kewaunee County and also Door County.”
The Education Impact Ward was bestowed upon Lainey Longmeyer, who is in her first year as the Principal of Washington Middle School.
She responded saying, “I think providing an equitable education for all middle-aged students in grades six through eight, across the Manitowoc area, is a job I don’t take lightly.”
Earning the Medium Business of the Year honor was Shoreline Hometown Credit Union. President and CEO Nathan Grossenbach:
“I think it’s something that we don’t do for the fanfare necessarily, but to have all the efforts that we’ve put in over the last 10, 15, 20 years, is really nice to be recognized for that.”
Eck Industries was named the Large Business of the Year. Here’s a statement from Vice President Tyler Eck about having his business in Manitowoc.
“I really enjoy living and working in Manitowoc,” he detailed, “We’ve got a great culture here and I really enjoy pulling the people that need to do our jobs right from the community, so, we’re excited about it.”
Mueller Wealth in Mishicot was named the Small Business of the Year. CEO and Founder Ross Mueller:
“Thankful for my team, for all there hard work,” he noted. “It’s countless hours. I remember from the beginning I worked 100 hour work weeks. Just very thankful for what the Lord gave me and for our clients for supporting us.”
The Young Professional of the Year, which goes to one of the Future 15 honorees, was awarded to Kali Hengtes , representing the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA.
She was asked what a young professional is to her.
“It means dedication to the community,” she clarified. “It means an awareness not just of your specific career path and career goals but looking at what your impact is towards others around you and how your success will lead towards that.”
Earning the Volunteer of the Year honor was Allyson Tebon of BayCare Clinic, who told us why she enjoys giving back to the community.
“Really an honor to have it,” she stated. “Manitowoc County is a wonderful place to be able to give back. And it’s just great to see the community to continue to grow and find ways that we can help support that. So, truly a reflection of my team as a whole.”
And lastly, the Athena Award went to Mary Jo Stangel.
“I am just so honored, just totally honored,” she admitted. “And I just do it because I love it. And I want the best for our community. And I would never think that there is any other reason than that.”
Chamber Executive Director Abbey Quistorf thanked everyone who submitted nominations and attended the event, saying, “It was wonderful to gather as a community to celebrate the positive collaborations, inspiring individuals, and business successes.”
