PCBC honors businesses and industry leaders
For the Gazette
STEVENS POINT – Two Portage County businesses, and two business leaders were singled out for honors March 7 at the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner Awards Banquet held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.
The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Sherri Galle-Teske, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Portage County. Sherri served hundreds of hours of volunteer time for the Portage County Business Council by attending ribbon cuttings, grand openings, ground breaking ceremonies, Business After Hours, Women in Business and many other events, visits to new and existing businesses and monthly committee meetings. She also serves on the Village of Plover Planning & Zoning Committee – a position she has held for more than twenty years.
The Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Mission Coffee House, owner Russ Ehlinger. Mission Coffee House was selected from several nominees based on their growth and financial stability, dedication to customer service and community needs, personal commitment, and innovative efforts to identify a market niche. The store first opened in the spring of 2015 at 2860 Post Road in Plover, soon added three franchises in Waupaca, Westfield and Wisconsin Rapids, and in June 2021 completed a multi-million-dollar development in the Artist& Fare building at 1800 Plover Road in Plover, WI.
The Decree of Excellence Award was presented to Gamber-Johnson LLC, an award-winning industry leader in the manufacturing of mobile and pro AV mounting solutions headquartered at 5001 Joerns Drive in Stevens Point. Gamber-Johnson experienced steady annual growth, and since 2016 doubled its headcount, sales and profit. Their newly remodeled 133,000 square foot world headquarters, once home of Joerns HealthCare, includes a state-of-the-art office and manufacturing facility that will help set the stage for current and future growth, helping to bring additional jobs and opportunities to Portage County.
The President’s Award was presented to Lisa Sobczak, Senior Area Manager of ABR Employment Services. Lisa provides inspirational leadership, successfully develops and manages financial goals, brings out the best in her team by providing training, coaching, development and encouragement, and is committed to the collaboration and success of area businesses, job seekers, and the communities she serves. Lisa is an active member of the community aside from her contributions to and leadership of ABR Employment Services. She serves on the Portage County Business Council Board of Directors, North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board of Directors, and volunteers with Humane Society of Portage County, American Cancer Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way of Portage County, and Junior Achievement.
“Their dedication to bettering our local community is another element that makes all four award winners unique and valuable parts of the Portage County community. We salute their work and congratulate them on these well-deserved awards,” stated Karen Myers, Director of Programs & Events for the Portage County Business Council.
The presenting sponsors of the event were TDS and WoodTrust Bank. Other sponsors include Aspirus, CliftonLarsonAllen, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Festival Foods, Herrschners Inc., Keller, Inc., KerberRose Certified Public Accountants, Nicolet National Bank, Sentry, Simplicity Credit Union, Steel King Industries, The Dirks Group, and Van Horn Nissan of Stevens Point.
For more information, contact Karen Myers at [email protected].