Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Greg Mellis Brian Kowalkowski and Barb Maroszek place their raffle tickets prior to the drawing during the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet Thursday at the Menominee Casino Resort.
Leader Photo by Greg Mellis Dan Miller, right, who was named the Distinguished Citizen of the Year, visits with Charlie Harvey during the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce banquet Thursday.
It was literally a glittering night of festivities Thursday at the annual Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce banquet and awards ceremony, with guests decked out in their most sparkly attire.
The theme of this year’s celebration, held at Menominee Casino Resort in Keshena, was “All that Glitters,” and speakers highlighted the shining milestone of the chamber’s 90th anniversary.
“We’re celebrating 90 years of working together to make sure not only do we have a great place to live but also a fun place for others to come and visit,” master of ceremonies Jon Aumann said.
With the awards, Aumann added, “we’re here to recognize a handful of members for their efforts in the chamber.”
Aumann drew stark contrasts with the chamber’s beginnings in 1926, when Calvin Coolidge was president, annual income was $1,300 and gas was 14 cents a gallon.
Aumann noted the chamber had 56 members in 1926, compared to the more than 430 it has today.
Executive Director Nancy Smith told members that the chamber’s original founders would be pleased to see where the organization has gone.
“I think they would be very proud of what you’ve done with your chamber, so congratulations,” she said.
Incoming chamber president Kristy Hesse called the 90th anniversary an amazing accomplishment and said the year ahead would be exciting.
“This year is going to be fascinating on many levels,” she said. “We’re going to be in for some change and we’re going to do it together. We have done that for the last 90 years and we’ll continue coming together to help propel our community forward.”
Hesse thanked members for their continued involvement and commitment.
“Partnering and supporting one another through good times and bad is what helps a community survive,” she said.
The chamber handed out six awards between glitter-and-glitz-themed raffle drawings.
Senzig’s Fine Home Furnishings picked up the Retailer of the Year award.
Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats was awarded Manufacturer of the Year.
Complete Canine Care Centre received the chamber’s Service Business of the Year Award.
The Rustic Shed, at 113 N. Cecil St. in downtown Bonduel, was named Small Business of the Year.
Dan Miller was named Distinguished Citizen of the Year.
Laura Hoppe was named the chamber’s Ambassador of the Year.