For Stevens Point News

STEVENS POINT — One Portage County business, one nonprofit organization, and one industry leader in the county’s business community were singled out for honors Thursday, April 26 at the Portage County Business Councils’ Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast. 

Nearly 100 people attended the event at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Mission Coffee House, owner Russ Ehlinger.  Mission Coffee House was selected from several nominees by the Business Council’s Selection Committee based on their:

• Growth and financial stability
• Dedication to customer service and community needs
• Personal commitment
• Innovative efforts to identify a market niche.

Russ opened his first business doors at 2860 Post Road in Plover in June, 2015.  Then on January 2, 2018 his second location in the Adventure 212 building opened, followed by his third location opening on April 16, 2018 in the AIG building.

Brittany Von Ebers, winner of the Ignite Young Professional of the Year Award. (Contributed)

The Portage County Charitable Community Award was presented to The Jensen Community Center in Amherst for their work in enriching the lives of Portage County residents.  The center currently serves over 10,000 individuals per year who attend free activities including movies, senior meals, community art fairs, concerts, and local theater.  The center organizes several events that help build our local tourism, including an annual River Run where over 1,200 from all over the country participate, a Youth Soccer program for over 300 children every spring.

Representatives of the Jensen Community Center. (Contributed)

A new award, Ignite Young Professional of the Year Award was presented to Brittany Von Ebers, Director of Development & Marketing for the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County.  Brittany has always had a desired to give back to her community while being involved with Woodlands Church as a Sunday school teacher and volunteer, with the Ignite Young Professionals group at “Make a Difference Day”, and the Women’s Fund as a board member advocating for women and children who need it most. As evidence of her profession and involvement, Brittany has a passion for local youth and this community.

“Their dedication to bettering our local community is another element that makes all three award winners unique and valuable parts of the Portage County business community,” stated Karen Schanock, Director of Programs & Events for the Business Council.  “We salute your work and congratulate you on these well-deserved awards.”

Representative Katrina Shankland and Senator Patrick Testin were in attendance to hand out State of Wisconsin proclamations to the award recipients.

Portage County Executive Chris Holman was the guest speaker for the event.  His presentation was entitled “Re-Imaging Culture and Community Toward New Economies”.

The corporate sponsors of the event included Anderson O’Brien, BMO Harris Bank, CliftonLarsonAllen, Community First Bank, First Law Group, Regnier Consulting Group, US Bank and Wisconsin Public Service. The media sponsor of the event was NRG Media and Aleese Fielder from NRG Media acted as Master of Ceremonies of the event