For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – One Portage County business, two professionals and one non-profit organization were honored on April 14 at the Portage County Business Council (PCBC)’s Creative Excellence Awards Breakfast held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Fall Line Outfitters, owned by Craig Cook.

Located on 904 Main Street in downtown Stevens Point, they were selected based on their business growth, financial stability, innovation, ability to identify a market niche and dedication to customer service.

They experienced growth that allowed them to expand from 660 square feet to 3,000 square feet, growing from no employees to three full-time, eight part-time and three guides.

Ignite Young Professional of the Year Award

The Ignite Young Professional of the Year Award was presented to Mikayla Kleifgen.

Mikayla was chosen based on her service and volunteering in the community as well as her professional accomplishments with the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County over the past six years.

She is an active Board Member and Career committee co-chair for Ignite Young Professionals.

Through Ignite, Kleifgen shares her own leadership and networking skills with other young professionals and planning professional development events.

Golden Apple for Excellence in Education Award

The Golden Apple for Excellence in Education Award was presented to Joe Zawacki from Pacelli High School.

From being the first to use zSpace laptops, combining AR/VR technologies, to challenging opportunities for students like Junior/Senior Leadership, Outdoor Adventure Club and the Breakfast Club (morning workout), Zawacki works tirelessly at providing exceptional experiences for all his students.

According to PCBC, he was chosen for this award due to his “energy, enthusiasm, and passion for teaching.”

Portage County Charitable Community Award

The Portage County Charitable Community Award was presented to the Portage County Historical Society.

Over the past 70 years, the society has grown from 50 members to over 500 members.

They have four historic sites that are open to the public including: the Beth Israel Synagogue Museum and Firehouse No. 2 Museum in Stevens Point, the Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville and Heritage Park in Plover, which in itself contains 11 historic buildings.

The Portage County Historical Society is an active partner in providing a multitude of historical education opportunities to over 4,000 residents of all ages.

“Their dedication to bettering our local community is what 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.