The Pinnacle Awards Program recognizes individuals who embrace principled leadership, strategic thinking, balanced workplace values and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Individuals have a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance and skill and have demonstrated outstanding achievements in operating businesses as well as leadership in the community.
The Fox Cities Chamber is proud to recognize these individuals for their many contributions to the community. They have dedicated themselves as professionals and volunteers to the well-being of the Fox Cities.
Awards DISTRIBUTED:
ATHENA® Leadership - Awarded to a woman who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence. This individual contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the Fox Cities community, and actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.
Business Leader Hall of Fame - The Business Leader Hall of Fame is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated personal and business success, business leaders who have gained recognition and honor for outstanding achievement in their industry, who have been dedicated to the economic vitality in our community, and are role models for future generations.
Champion of the Chamber - Awarded to an individual who, through his/her on-going volunteer efforts within the Fox Cities Chamber, helps strengthen the local economy through innovative leadership, workforce development, and community and business development. This individual influences both members and non-members to become more involved in the Chamber.
Entrepreneur of the Year - Awarded to an individual who, through his/her own risk and initiative, has established a thriving and successful business.
Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service - This award is named in honor of Gus A. Zuehlke, a past Chairman of the Board of the Fox Cities Chamber. In the spirit of Gus' passion for serving his community, this award honors an individual who has made outstanding contributions through leadership in business and service during his/her years as a Chamber member. This business leader has been a job creator through business endeavors, and has made significant contributions as a driver of economic growth in the Fox Cities. The recipient of this award will have a $5,000 award/grant donated in his/her name to the charitable organization of his/her choice.
Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor - Awarded to an individual who is proactive in the advancement of others by sharing time, talent and business experience for the purposes of promoting growth and opportunity in the Fox Cities Community.
Young Professional of the Year - The Fox Cities has thousands of young professionals who excel within their places of employment and in the community. This professional excels in his/her respective field and positively influences the quality of life in the Fox Cities. This individual has a hand in attracting and retaining young talent to the area. This Future 15 recipient was chosen based on dedication, a strong sense of vision for the Fox Cities and understanding of the importance of volunteering and giving back.
PINNACLE AWARDS: Celebrating Business Leader Excellence
2015 - John Bergstrom - Chairman and CEO, Bergstrom Corporation; Richard "Dick" Bergstrom - Vice Chairman, Bergstrom Corporation
2014 - John Bykowski - SECURA Insurance; Leota Ester - Landmark the Staffing Resource; Dave Voss - Miron Construction
2013 - Oscar C. Boldt - The Boldt Company; Catherine Tierney - Community First Credit Union
2012 - Paul Hoffman - Hoffman; Bob Keller - J.J. Keller & Associates; Kathi Seifert - Katapult, LLC
2011 - William R. Bassett - Chairman of the Board, Bassett Mechanical; Joyce Bytof - Chairman & CEO, Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group, Inc.; John Pfefferle - Chairman, Pfefferle Companies, Inc.
CHAMPION OF THE CHAMBER AWARD
2019 - Beth Davis - Vice President of Business Development, Community First Credit Union; Sharon Hulce - President/CEO, Employment Resource Group, Inc.
2018 - Scott Jensen - Director of Marketing & Digital, Wisconsin Herd
2017 - Richard Parks - Regional Director, Modern Woodmen of America
2016 - Patrick Minskey - Advisor, Edward Jones
2015 - Les Van Ornum - Founder, Merchants' Choice Card Services, LLC
2014 - Dennis Jochman - Bechard Group
2013 - Ron Zahn - Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group
2012 - Debra Michiels - Fox Banquets Rivertyme Catering
