Future Neenah recognized the following individuals and businesses that, through partnerships, made serving as Neenah’s quality of life organization a success in 2022. These honorees have hearts for community service and a love of Neenah Area.
Corporate Citizen of the Year Award: The Boldt Company
Boldt embraced both the community and holiday spirit in 2022 by creating the new holiday alley downtown and coming to the organization’s rescue by repairing an office roof leak.
They are engaged. Boldt executive vice president for its Northern Operations, Ben Bruns, serves on the Future Neenah Board. We couldn’t sum it up better than they do, “We develop and build the extraordinary” whether that be building structures or community!
“Boldt is all about creating firm foundations for our communities and Future Neenah felt it was important to recognize that. We are fortunate to have a partnership with Boldt. Together we construct a stronger Neenah community,” said Sara Hanneman, Future Neenah Assistant Executive Director.
Neenah With Pride Award: The Plaza at Gateway Park
When you’re recognized as one of the top 10 most charming places in the country for outdoor winter fun – it’s only fitting that you also be recognized with the Neenah with Pride Award.
The Plaza is a destination that brings people into our central city, and they have created a year-round play/entertain atmosphere.
They’ve been very supportive of Future Neenah by hosting our endowment party in 2021 and participating in our events.
Hanneman said, “The Plaza has made an investment in the community and we’re grateful for their Neenah Pride!”
Friend of Neenah Award: Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center
We’re not the only people who think they are special as they were voted best conference center in Wisconsin in 2022. They are truly the hosts with the most. They hosted a Future Neenah board and planning meeting in 2022 and will be hosting our 40th anniversary gala in 2023.
General Manager and Vice President Ryan Batley serves on the Convention & Visitors Bureau board. This is important for our community as they are putting heads in beds for economic impact. The Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center is a Neenah destination in the truest sense of the word. Batley also serves on the Future Neenah board and volunteers at events and on our marketing committee.
In 2022, Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center worked with Jewelers Mutual and the City of Neenah toward new trail expansion on the city’s west side along Jewelers Park Drive.
Just as their guests feel at home, we’re glad they’ve invested in Neenah as their home.
“Batley and his team consistently deliver top notch service to the community and their customers and that makes them a true friend of Neenah in our eyes,” said Hanneman.
Downtown Business of the Year Award: Elements Unleashed
Elements Unleashed is a small retail boutique that opened in 2012. Fully embracing the Downtown Neenah Unequaled brand, their amazing selection of event-wear dresses is unequaled as is their full-service furrier capabilities with an emphasis on restoration. Sprinkle in western cowboy boots, unique accessories, and always something a little unexpected and you’ve got the place to be for a fun and unique fashion boutique experience because life is too short to wear boring clothes!
Catherine Fleischer, owner of Elements Unleashed, and the entire team are staples in all Downtown Neenah activities and events. The pride that comes through in their quality products and customer service excellence are the definition of the Downtown Neenah brand statement, “We are the unique shops, the proud business owners, the fine flavors, and the family friendly events that truly make Neenah a community… we are proud to invite you to discover our hospitality, sample our personality, and find a downtown that feels the way downtowns should. Be our guest and we’ll help you discover why we say that Neenah Downtown is truly Unequaled.” Sara Hanneman affirmed, “That sums up Fleischer and Elements Unleashed – embracing the brand.”
Future Neenah Champion Award: Mike and Kim Cannon
Mike and Kim Cannon are Future Neenah ambassadors and team players. Maintenance Man Mike began working with the organization in October of 2021 and brought his family, especially wife Kim, along for the fun. Their creativity shone through during 2022 in their Spring Fling flower bed, Live Mannequin Window Display and while representing Future Neenah in the Communityfest Parade. In big and small efforts, they are there to help, often in ways that go unrecognized but not to us, so we recognize them as Future Neenah Champions!
“We are so grateful to have Mike and Kim Cannon on the Future Neenah team. They are our champions and MVPs,” Hanneman said.
Awards made by Tim Robertson with Gears & Fire and presented by Future Neenah staff.
Photos by Graham Images LLC.
Future Neenah, Inc. is a community driven non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the economic and cultural vitality of Neenah Area.
