The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Annual Dinner & Awards event on Friday, April 28th at the Fern Young Terrace in the Young Auditorium on the University of WI-Whitewater campus. Chamber partners were able to mix and mingle, celebrating another successful year while some amazing individuals and businesses received awards for their impacts on Whitewater. The following deserving recipients were presented with an award.
In photo (Left to Right): Katy Wimer, Lisa Dawsey-Smith, Jericca Newby, Kellie Carper
The Good Neighbor Award is presented to an individual in the community who is an outstanding citizen that represents Whitewater at its very best. The recipients of this annual award make a lasting and positive difference in Whitewater by improving the quality of life and embracing a community-focused spirit. This year’s winner is full of life and a true cheerleader for Whitewater, its residents, and its businesses. She partners with local businesses constantly, offers gift baskets and giveaways frequently that support Whitewater’s business community, organizes drives and other events to support residents in need, engages with the university community regularly, and is always ready to offer up a high five in celebration of the accomplishments of everyone. The Chamber was honored to present this year’s Good Neighbor Award to Jericca Newby of Revamp Nutrition for her undying love of Whitewater and the way she supports the body, mind, and soul of her customers, neighbors, and Whitewater residents.
In photo (Left to Right): Lisa Dawsey-Smith, Bob Herold (owner), Kristina Koslosky, Kellie Carper
The Service Excellence Award is presented to a local business that demonstrates hometown hospitality by delivering excellent customer service and care to their customers and the community. This year’s recipient has been an example of service excellence for decades and the Chamber is thrilled to see them recognized. In the words of their nominator, Kristina Koslosky of Kreative Solutions, Dale’s Bootery is “an old-fashioned sit & fit shoe store, they truly care and want their customers to find comfort and the right fit.” Nominated as a true leader and example for other businesses, the chamber presented this year’s Service Excellence award to Bob and the team at Dale’s Bootery.
In photo (Left to Right): Karin Silvius (GM at Fairfield Inn & Suites), Sheryl Rosa (owner), Ryan Rouse (owner), Kellie Carper
The Community Spirit Award is presented to a business or organization that is a leader in engaging and supporting the Whitewater community. This year’s recipients are always cheering for Whitewater and truly want the community to thrive. These entrepreneurs, who arrived in Whitewater just two years ago, have taken a lead on getting the community together through many collaborative efforts. You will find the owners of this small business attending local events, supporting and encouraging other small businesses, engaging in community conversations, and working hard to make sure that Whitewater is in the spotlight by being true brand ambassadors. Nominated by Karin Silvius of the Fairfield Inn and Suites and Robert Sivek of Lake Home Info for their dedication to the Whitewater community and the work they do to see success grow, the Chamber is excited to present this award to Ryan Rouse and Sheryl Rosa of Nordskov Coffee.
In photo (Left to Right): Lisa Dawsey-Smith, Sheryl Rosa, Robert Sivek (owner), Kellie Carper
The Discover Whitewater Tourism Award is presented to the business or organization that creates a welcoming and exciting experience for travelers and guests to enjoy during their visits to Whitewater. Recipients of this award are true Whitewater ambassadors and help to spread the word about how wonderful our community is. In the words of their nominator, Sheryl Rosa, this year’s winner couldn’t be a better ambassador. Robert Sivek with Lake Home Info strives to not only encourage new homeowners to enjoy all that Whitewater has to offer, but he and his partners who operate an Airbnb on Whitewater Lake, work to ensure that their guests experience the very best of Whitewater in hopes that they’ll return or maybe even become permanent residents. Nominated for the invaluable contributions to attracting visitors and new residents and championing the Whitewater brand, the Chamber is very happy to award this year’s Discover Whitewater Tourism Award to Robert Sivek and Lake Home Info.
In photo (Left to Right) – Pat Bromley, Steve Taylor, Chelli Taylor, Kellie Carper
The Lifetime Impact Award is presented to an organization that has been part of the community for over 20 years and positively impacts the community’s development and growth. As an active member of the Whitewater Area Regional Ministries (W.A.R.M.) program, this year’s winner is a wonderful example of how to make a big impact in many little ways. In the words of one of their dedicated members, “when we find out about a need we find a way to help and our congregation rallies to meet the need.” Through multiple small programs the members of the La Grange Methodist Church impact the lives of many current and newly arrived residents to the Whitewater community. Their most recent endeavor, supporting newly arrived community members from Central America, is a great example of the work they do. Nominated by Sandra Ramirez for their dedication to supporting the community and truly living their mission, the Chamber is thrilled to present this year’s Lifetime Impact Award to the La Grange United Methodist Church.
The Whitewater Area Chamber is so grateful to be part of such a caring, generous, and vibrant community. We are looking forward to what 2023 has in store for Whitewater. For more information about this event or anything Chamber related please contact Kellie Carper, Exec. Director at (262) 473-4005.
