Three Area Businesses to be Recognized at Black River Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner March 4th

Monday, February 26th, 2024 -- 10:01 AM

Three area businesses and a non-profit organization will be honored with awards at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner Monday, March 4, 2024 at Ho-Chunk Gaming in Black River Falls.

Falls Meat Service will receive the 2023 Business of the Year Award (less than 20 employees), Scholze Ace Home Center will receive the 2023 Business of the Year Award (more than 20 employees), McSweets Irish Pub will receive the 2023 Emerging Business of the Year Award (open in our area 5 years or less) and #WillPProject will receive the 2023 Service Organization Award.

The winners were chosen by the Chamber Ambassadors group and the Chamber Annual Dinner Committee after a review of the nominations. Falls Meat Service, awarded for its exceptional contribution to the community, boasts over 45 years of experience as a full-service butcher. State-Inspected and recently remodeled, their impact extends beyond the storefront, with products in over 45 local stores and restaurants.

The business, known for its culinary cornerstone status, has diversified its offerings with Sow Belly’s BBQ Food Trailer and daily lunch specials. Other nominees for the Business of the Year Award (less than 20 employees) were Coldwell Banker, Reflections on Water and Cell.Plus.

Scholze Ace Home Center, started in 1976 and the product and service offerings of Scholze Ace Home Center are nothing short of extensive. As an Ace Hardware Store, they provide our community with a vast array of quality products.

Their offerings include a complete lumber yard, rental department, garden center, bicycle repair, lock rekeying, pipe cutting and threading, glass and screen repair, and even serve as a UPS drop-off location.

It’s not just a hardware store; it’s a hub for diverse needs, making them an indispensable asset to our community. Their 40-year legacy, commitment to excellence, and genuine care for their team and community make them not just worthy recipients of this award but an inspiration to us all.

Their community contributions reflect a dedication to service, supporting local schools, events, and various fundraisers. Other nominees for the Business of the Year Award (more than 20 employees) were Black River Memorial Hospital, Ho-Chunk Gaming Black River Falls, Children’s Wisconsin and Land O’Lakes.

McSweets Irish Pub, Established in 2019, quickly became a beloved spot in the Black River area. Beyond the typical offerings of an Irish Pub, McSweet’s has exceeded expectations in the most profound way during challenging times.

The pub played an important role during the search for missing persons, offering a warm and welcoming space for search and rescue teams to regroup. In those difficult moments, McSweet’s stood as a beacon of support and community strength.

It’s not just about the challenges; McSweet’s has proven to be a place of joy and celebration. With frequent live entertainment, special events, and a unique space for various occasions, McSweet’s has become a hub for creating memories and fostering connections.

From class reunions to birthday parties and celebrations of life, McSweets has become an integral part of our community’s social tapestry. Other nominees for the Emerging Business of the Year Award were Beautiful You Make This.

#WillPProject was formed in 2020 and stands as a beacon of hope, promoting mental health awareness with its impactful motto, “Stop.Think.Live.”; #WillPProject has been a source of support for those facing mental health challenges and is a simple reminder to STOP before you do anything you can’t take back.

THINK reminds us to think about those who love us, to remember that there is always hope, and to think about tomorrow as being another day we can live. LIVE reminds us to choose life every time. Even when we feel despair, there is hope. Choose life.

Beyond unique fundraisers, their Cancer Warrior Service, suicide prevention training, and community giveaways touch lives. Born from personal loss, #WillPProject’s commitment to normalizing mental health conversations and offering support makes it a genuine force for good.

Other nominees for the Service Organization Award were Merrillan Lion’s Club, Friends of the Black River, Black River Falls Figure Skating Club and the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley- Lunda Center.

The Chamber’s Annual Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour, 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. the program begins. A Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle will also take place.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.