Individuals and Businesses Recognized at Neillsville Chamber of Commerce's Annual Recognition Banquet
Monday, January 22nd, 2024 -- 8:00 AM
The Neillsville Chamber of Commerce held their Recognition Banquet on Saturday, January 20th at the Neillsville American Legion.
Doing things a little different this year, the Chamber only released the nominations for the various awards and the winners were announced that night. The Ag-Business of the Year Award was an exception as the award is always given to the host of the previous year’s dairy breakfast.
As the breakfast was held at the Clark County Fairgrounds last year, in the brand new dairy barn, the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department received the award. The Clark County Forestry and Parks department continues to support all local 4-H and FFA members in agriculture.
The nominations for the Spotlight Award included Kathy Meshnick, Judy Morrow, Jenny Kujawa, Tammy Mendoza, and Maggie Gelhaus and Jenny Kujawa was selected for the Spotlight Award.
To be nominated for this award, this person needs to be making a direct impact on the area and selfless dedication of time and/or resources to benefit the community.
Considerations while making the nomination included an extent of community involvement, long range effect projects, initiatives, or activities have on the community, level and type of community growth, and an economic impact.
It is not typical by any means that the Chamber Board awards one of their members this award, but it is well deserved and, with multiple nominations in her name, the Board knew the community noticed her efforts.
She has been an active part of the Chamber for many years, taking on leadership positions. When the Chamber was without a director for a few months, unexpectedly, Jenny stepped in to fill those shoes the best she could and became the face of the Neillsville Chamber.
She kept the Chamber going and has been a great mentor to the new Director and the Board has seen how her leadership has helped the new Director grow into her position today and where the Chamber is.
With multiple nominations, Jodi Sampson at Simply Creative was selected as the Entrepreneur of the Year. Jodi’s new business has given the Neillsville community somewhere to go to express themselves and be a gathering space for all.
Being part of the downtown community, Jodi’s neighbors notice all she does to help attract visitors to not just her store, but Neillsville. Offering classes of all types for all ages is a big reason people keep coming back. When walking into Simply Creative, you can tell Jodi has a passion for painting and crafting and wants others to have a space to gather.
Finally, the nominations for Business of the Year included Atmus Filtration Technologies, Simplicity Credit Union, Russell’s of Neillsville, and The Christine Center with Simplicity Credit Union selected for the award.
With 74 years of experience, Simplicity Credit Union opened the Neillsville Branch in 2019. Through the years they have dealt with many changes as COVID happened and not having a drive through option to members, but still managed to grow memberships and be present in the community.
Most of you know Simplicity Credit Union recently opened their new location in the fall this past year. They’re holding a ribbon cutting for the new location this Thursday, January 25th, at 11am. All are welcome to attend.
Several businesses were also recognized with Anniversary Milestones including:
- Schmitty’s on Main for 10 years,
- Country Floral and Boutique for 15 years,
- JBC Screen Printing and Embroidery for 15 years,
- Mayville Engineering Company (MEC) for 15 years,
- Clearview Realty for 25 years,
- Atmus Filtration Technologies for 25 years,
- Abby Vans for 35 years,
- The Highground for 40 years,
- Strike Time Lanes for 40 years,
- Ratsch Engineering Co. for 45 years,
- And Sav-Rite Building Center for 45 years.
The Neillsville Chamber of Commerce is led by their new Director Tea Moscinski with guidance from the Chamber Board consisting of Dr. Bruce Davis, Jennifer Kujawa, Jesse Elmhorst, Lori Buffington, Amie D’Hutvetter, Riley Hebert, Jim Mankowski, and Haley Oettinger. The Board is short one member, so if you, or someone you know, is interested in being on the Board, please contact the Chamber for an application.
Board Ambassadors include Regan Barth, Karen Hoppa, Leah Wilson, and Janalee Kapusta. The Board is also looking for more Ambassadors. If you’re interested in becoming an ambassador, please contact the Chamber.
The Board had some extra fun at their usual banquet this year with a hot chocolate bar, door prizes, and games provided by Amy Gerhardt. The Chamber hopes to see you at some of this year’s events including the Neillsville Winter Carnival coming February 23rd-25th.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.