With COVID 19 safety and health protocols in place, the Chamber of Manitowoc County held their Annual Awards of Distinction last night (February 9th) at the Capitol Civic Center.
The Volunteer of the Year is Tim Klein of Advocate Aurora Health who’s volunteered for the Chamber for 16 years.
The Collaboration Award goes to the Community Food Center for their contribution to the community in 2020. Amber Daugs of Grow It Forward called the award “a wonderful fitting tribute to our organization and all those hands who work together to feed our community in need.”
Hope House of Manitowoc County was named the Non-Profit Organization of the year. Executive Director Lillian Lamoreaux called receiving the award humbling, and that they are “grateful to be included in those many who do such great work.”
The Small Business of the Year goes to Balance on Buffalo, a Health and Well Being Center in Manitowoc. Owner Gina Armstrong said receiving the award is a “great validation for those who work hard at what we do. When you do something that you’re passionate about people feel that. We’re so honored to be recognized for doing that.”
The Metal Ware Corporation was recognized as the Large Business/Industry of the year, while Lakeside Foods won the Healthy Workplace Award. Soon to be retired CEO Glen Tellock commented on the award saying it is “maybe one of the most important awards we’ve ever won. A big Thank You to the County Health Department for partnering with us to see us in and through the pandemic.”
Jill Bryntesen of Ansay and Associates was named Young Professional of the Year. Jill said the award was “unexpected”, and that she is honored to have been selected.
Dana Bongle, a Lincoln High School Phy Ed Teacher, Coach, Mentor, and Life Coach received the Education Impact Award.
Carol Wergin was the winner of the Athena Leadership Award, which is presented to a woman or man, who is honored for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. Wergin said she was honored to be among so many distinguished previous winners. “I can’t think of all my experiences without giving credit that’s due to all the hardworking people I came to know along the way,” she stated.
Tom Chermak of Chermake Sausage won the Joseph P. Schmitt “Speak Up Award” for his contributions to the quality of life for citizens in Manitowoc County over a period of time.
SeehaferNews.com was one of many sponsors proud to help present this year’s awards ceremony.
