The Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce set sail Thursday for its 89th annual Membership Banquet and Awards Ceremony, with about 250 passengers from the community along for the cruise.
“It may be a three-hour tour, but we promise to get you back to the mainland safely,” chamber Executive Director Nancy Smith said.
Smith thanked chamber members for the support she said was vital to the organization’s success.
“I want to personally thank you for all you do,” she said. “It is because of your membership and support that we are able to accomplish so much.”
Smith also paid tribute to longtime chamber member John Gallagher, who passed away in December at the age of 81.
“On a sad note, we lost one of out great chamber promoters this past year,” she said. “John was one of the chamber’s most enthusiastic and ardent supporters.”
Gallagher had played a number of roles at the chamber over the years, from board member to volunteer to even serving as part-time secretary greeting new businesses.
“John’s love and commitment to the chamber was very evident, and we have all benefited from his hard work and dedication,” Smith said.
Chamber President Melissa Olsen said she was proud of what the chamber has accomplished recently and was looking forward to the future.
“I’m very excited about the progress that we’ve seen over the past years, especially with Vision 2017 and with all the potential that we have for continued growth,” she said. “We must all be vigilant about identifying opportunities and strategies for continued growth.”
She urged members to take advantage of the chamber’s resources and become involved.
“We’re all responsible for continuing the development and growth of our community,” she said.
The chamber handed out six awards Thursday night at The Gathering in Shawano.
Lisa Meisner was awarded Ambassador of the Year.
Old Glory Candy was honored as 2015 Retail Business of the Year.
ThedaCare’s new $52 million hospital, ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, was awarded Service Business of the Year.
Four Seasons Hotel & Resort was given the award for 2015 Small Business of the Year.
Stone Creations of Wisconsin Inc. was selected Manufacturer of the Year.
Jim Leuenberger was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
Categories
