For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – The Portage County Business Council recently announced its 2022 award recipients, including Real Deals on Home Decor., Small Business of the Year; and Steel King Industries, Inc. , Decree of Excellence Award.

The Ambassador Club selected Karli Klismith, of KerberRose Certified Public Accountants, as the Ambassador of the Year and Fred Hebblewhite, CEO of United Way of Portage County, as the recipient of the President’s Award.

Real Deals on Home Decor, owned by Michelle Venzke, 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.”

Steel King Industries, manufacturer of storage solutions ranging from the industry’s top containers, work platforms, and rack systems, to highly engineered distribution facility systems, was chosen based on their “contributions to the area’s economic vitality, increase in local employment base and significant contributions in community service. “

Business Council Ambassador and KerberRose Senior Talent Consultant Karli Klismith was recognized for her “dedication to community outreach and participation in activities that promote the Portage County Business Council’s mission.”

Portage County Business Council Board Chair Craig Aittama selected Fred Hebblewhite for the President’s Award.

“Fred’s leadership to United Way of Portage County and our community over the past 17 years is an example for all of us to strive towards,” he said.

“I was able to work directly with Fred Hebblewhite throughout the 2022 United Way Fund Drive Campaign.  We visited many companies in Portage county to discuss plans for their internal campaigns.  In those meetings, Fred, and the United Way team, were able to shine the United Way’s light and touch each campaign in unique ways.  I was amazed at the dedication and leadership Fred displayed throughout the campaign journey.”

Award recipients will be recognized at the Portage County Business Council’s Annual Dinner on Jan. 25 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Stevens Point.