For the Gazette
STEVENS POINT – The Portage County Business Council (PCBC) recently announced that Bria Bella & Co. has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Small Business of the Year, and Worzalla has been selected for the 2020 Decree of Excellence Award.
The entire Ambassador Club was also selected to receive the 2020 Ambassador of the Year award, and Craig Gerlach, superintendent of the Stevens Point Area Public School District, was selected as the recipient of the 2020 President’s Award.
“Bria Bella & Co., owned by Tara Manzke, was chosen based on their growth and financial stability; dedication to customer service and community needs; strength in employer/employee relations, efforts to adapt to market changes, and industry leadership. They are located at 925 Main Street in downtown, Stevens Point,” a PCBC release stated.
“Worzalla, an employee-owned publishing company, was chosen based on their contributions to the area’s economic vitality, increase in local employment base and significant contributions in community service.
“Given the unusual circumstance presented in 2020, all 29 Portage County Business Council Ambassadors will be recognized for their dedication to community outreach and participation in activities that promote the Portage County Business Council’s mission.”
Portage County Business Council 2020 Board President Derek Nest selected Craig Gerlach for the President’s Award.
“Craig has shown tremendous leadership for the Stevens Point Area Public Schools. He has many stakeholders to balance in the decisions he makes and has done an extraordinary job leading our community through a great deal of change and uncertainty. Craig is also a valuable contributor as a member of the Portage County Business Council Board of Directors and is involved with other organizations in our community.
“He has been a key collaborator and engaged team player since joining the community since 2016.”
“Our annual award winners are a microcosm of why our community has such a great quality of life”, said Todd Kuckkahn, executive director for the Portage County Business Council. “These recipients reflect all that is great about the people, businesses, education and government here. They are role models of unselfishness and what it means to sacrifice for the betterment of everyone. They join a long line of community leaders recognized for excellence.”
Award recipients will be recognized at the PCBC’s Annual Dinner on June 15 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Stevens Point.
Registration for the event can be found at www.portagecountybiz.com. For more information, contact Karen Myers at [email protected].