The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce honored those who led the way in 2025 last night.
The Chamber Champions Gala was held at the Weill Center for the Performing Arts, where ten awards were bestowed upon business leaders, non-profits, and organizations that shone bright over the past year.
Steve Schouten of Midwest Communications was named the Ambassador of the Year, while the Working Together Award was shared by FifthColor and the Sheboygan County Food Bank.
Lauren Smith, the Director of Development and Marketing at the Food Bank, was honored to receive the award, but praised the Chamber for highlighting the great things happening in Sheboygan County.
“I just think it’s so awesome that they highlight this partnership because there are so many great companies in Sheboygan,” she said. “FifthColor is obviously one of them that’s giving back to the community.”
Earning the Nonprofit of the Year was A Million Dreamz.
Co-Founder and Executive Director Angel Berry said she was overwhelmed, but thankful.
“Finally, people are starting to listen to how important childcare is and that’s what really counts,” she noted.
The Kohler Company was granted the Safety Leader Award. Chis Kaizer called it a true team effort.
“I’m really excited, proud of the team and the impact that we’ve made for our associates,” he told us. “That people come to work and go home the same way they came in, I think that’s one of the greatest achievements that you can have.”
Sargento’s Anne Troka won the MVP of the Team Award, and she praised the community as her inspiration.
“I’m humble because of this community. It inspires me. The people inspire me,” she explained. “To be recognized for each of our different roles and opportunities we have to give back, I’m honored. I’m just truly blessed to be able to be a part of this community.”
The Culinary Star of the Year Award went to Vene’s Pancake House.
Alfredo Venegas, the chef and co-owner of the relatively young restaurant, said he is very proud of what his team has achieved.
“I have three years open. This is brand new restaurant,” he noted. “I am so excited for this one.”
Next Step Insurance earned the Professional Services Organization of the Year Award.
Kristina George, one of the co-owners of the company, said the award was more than just a “good job” to her.
“It’s nice to be recognized that we do service for Sheboygan County, and we’ve been doing it for a long time, so it actually means a lot,” she said.
Champion Manufacturer of the Year was granted to MilliporeSigma.
Raj Patel, an Engineering Manager with the company, said he accepted the honor on behalf of the 650 people who work there.
“We are not on the shelves. We are not commercially known. We’re behind the scenes for all products,” he explained. “So for the community to recognize us, this is great.”
The GameBoard was named the Champion Retailer of the Year. Lynn Potyen, the owner and founder of The GameBoard, was overwhelmed with emotions.
“It’s just incredible that we were able to pull it off,” she noted, fighting back tears. “We pulled it off because Sheboygan County believes in us. So thanks to all of our customers for standing behind us for almost 20 years now.”
And finally, the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum was given the Tourism Gem Award.
Executive Director Cate Tinker told us that the support from the public is what made all of their improvements possible.
“I truly believe that the only reason we’ve been able to do what we’ve done over the last two years and the transformation that we’ve made and the impact that we’ve made in tourism is because of this incredible community of Sheboygan,” she told SeehaferNews.com.
To see more about the gala, visit the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
