Awards & Recognitions
The Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce believes in recognizing the individuals and businesses that make the community a better place to live, work and play, in addition to helping the Chamber prosper.
2008-2009 ANNUAL CHAMBER MEETING AWARDS
Small Business:1-25 Employees
Sponsored by: Charter Bank Eau Claire and Wipfli
Nohre & Company, S.C., CPA's
This award was presented Nohre & Company based on the following criteria: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, financial success, entrepreneurship, innovativeness of product or service, offered response to adversity, community involvement, and innovative efforts shown in area of local or national interest.
Small Business: 26-150 Employees
Sponsored by: Charter Bank Eau Claire and Wipfli
Benedict Refrigeration
This award was presented to Benedict Refrigeration based on the following criteria: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, financial success, entrepreneurship, innovativeness of product or service, offered response to adversity, community involvement, and innovative efforts shown in area of local or national interest.
Athena Award
Sponsored by: Ken Vance Motors, McDonough Manufacturing and Sacred Heart Hospital
Marianne Klinkhammer, Gator Garb Promotions
Marianne Klinkhammer is honored as an individual who strives toward the highest level of professional accomplishment for women, who excels in her chosen field, has devoted time and energy to her community in a meaningful way, and who also open paths so that others may follow. She helped to organize a new chapter of the Executive Women's Golf Association and has lead the Junior League organization. Marianne has been active in the Miss Wisconsin pageant and has used her teaching background to assist hundreds
of women meet their goals.
Community Development
Sponsored by: Northwestern Bank
Wipfli
This award was presented to Group Health Cooperative for its efforts in economic well being, sense of the community, workforce issues, cultural enhancements and Chamber involvement. This company has grown extensively the last 80 years. Each year, the company, state-wide closes for an afternoon and all of the employees work on community projects. The majority of its professional staff are very active with the Chamber.
Ambassador of the Year
Sponsored by: Craig Hughes of Eau Claire Realty
Marianne Klinkhammer, Gator Garb Promotions
Marianne Klinkhammer was an active Ambassador participating in all activities, including numerous ribbon cuttings, and always doing the extra things to make the organization a success.
Outstanding Public Employee
Phil Fieber, City of Eau Claire Parks & Recreation
This award was given to Phil Fieber for cooperation, open-minded attitude and willingness to learn, demonstration of his working to reach his employees' goals and a willingness to get involved in the community beyond what is required in his work activities. Phil is a great friend of the Chamber and has been very involved with our Youth Leadership program.
Outstanding Volunteer
Sponsored by: RCU
Mark Faanes, Wipfli
Mark Faanes has been active with the Chamber for over 10 years in key leadership roles with the Eau Claire Chamber Board and Educational Foundation.
Outstanding Young Professional of the Year
Chris Lokken, Tru-Lock & Security, Inc.
This award was given to Chris Lokken for setting a good example for all of young professionals by getting involved and networking with members at the events. He also demonstrates the core values of YPCV; integrity, diversity, professionalism, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Top Membership Sales Person
Steve Wilson
Steve Wilson is the recipient of this award helping the Chamber achieve a record high 1,192 members.
Nomination forms for 2009-2010 may be obtained from the Chamber office in February 2010.
BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
In early 2009, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce approved a new Business Hall of Fame. The annual award will recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to their business and the community. There can be two awards - a Business Hall of Fame for individuals from the previous fifty (50) years from the current year and a Historical Business Hall of Fame for any period prior to the last fifty (50) years. Please download more
information about the award and an application form.
The 2009 inductees are:
William Carson, Lumber barren from the 1800’s and early settler
Daniel Shaw, Shaw Lumber Company
Frank McDonough, Founder of McDonough Manufacturing
L.E. Phillips, Started Ed Phillips & Sons and became President of National Presto
Owen Ayres, Ayres Associates
Dave Donnellan, Donnellan Real Estate
John Menard, Menards