Citizen of the Year: Bill Lolwing
Bill has been a vital member of our city for many years. He is currently serving as Scout Master for the local Boy Scout troop. Scouting for the past 15 years has been a focus for him. During that time he has shaped the minds of young men by completing merit badges, going camping in all kinds of weather, completing Eagle projects with the scouts, selling Christmas trees, and helping out others in the community. He is always on the Night on Square with the Boy Scouts selling popcorn and helps with clean up for the Chamber. Bill is also an active member of the St. Clement Church. When he sees that something needs to be done, he just goes ahead and fixes the problem. Our country is something Bill holds dearly in his heart. He served two tours of duty during Desert Storm. Being involved in the American Legion and the VFW, he has worked pancake breakfasts, placed and removed flags on the cemetery graves, and marched in parades. Bill truly deserves the honor of Citizen of the Year because he has strong pride in our city, and he is a wonderful kind, caring person.
Bill has been a vital member of our city for many years. He is currently serving as Scout Master for the local Boy Scout troop. Scouting for the past 15 years has been a focus for him. During that time he has shaped the minds of young men by completing merit badges, going camping in all kinds of weather, completing Eagle projects with the scouts, selling Christmas trees, and helping out others in the community. He is always on the Night on Square with the Boy Scouts selling popcorn and helps with clean up for the Chamber. Bill is also an active member of the St. Clement Church. When he sees that something needs to be done, he just goes ahead and fixes the problem. Our country is something Bill holds dearly in his heart. He served two tours of duty during Desert Storm. Being involved in the American Legion and the VFW, he has worked pancake breakfasts, placed and removed flags on the cemetery graves, and marched in parades. Bill truly deserves the honor of Citizen of the Year because he has strong pride in our city, and he is a wonderful kind, caring person.
Educator of the Year: Melissa Sperle
Melissa goes above and beyond for all her students. Whether it’s pushing some students that are above what they are teaching or giving them the extra time and compassion that they need. With Melissa’s love a basketball she has also touched the lives of so many athletes throughout the years. Melissa give 110% in everything she does and excepts that same in return. She is a great motivator and does everything with love. She is a great leader amongst her co-works and Lancaster Community is so lucky to have her shaping the minds of our youth.
Melissa goes above and beyond for all her students. Whether it’s pushing some students that are above what they are teaching or giving them the extra time and compassion that they need. With Melissa’s love a basketball she has also touched the lives of so many athletes throughout the years. Melissa give 110% in everything she does and excepts that same in return. She is a great motivator and does everything with love. She is a great leader amongst her co-works and Lancaster Community is so lucky to have her shaping the minds of our youth.
New Business of the Year: Rech Family Gardens
Owner Sally Rech chose to put all her energy into focusing on flowers this last year. In doing this the publication Agri-View highlighted their flower farm while putting Lancaster on the map!! Sally is very community minded and always thinking of invocative ways to grow. She has been a big participant in local events. She has held classes of her own on how to make bouquets and wreaths. Sally and her team visited businesses often throughout the past year to share beautiful flowers and her cheer. She is now involved with heading the new Night Market for Lancaster and working hard to grow a local event showcasing our local farmers, merchants and artist. Rech Family Gardens has had such a large impact within our community its first year of growing their flower farm we are so excited for the future.
Owner Sally Rech chose to put all her energy into focusing on flowers this last year. In doing this the publication Agri-View highlighted their flower farm while putting Lancaster on the map!! Sally is very community minded and always thinking of invocative ways to grow. She has been a big participant in local events. She has held classes of her own on how to make bouquets and wreaths. Sally and her team visited businesses often throughout the past year to share beautiful flowers and her cheer. She is now involved with heading the new Night Market for Lancaster and working hard to grow a local event showcasing our local farmers, merchants and artist. Rech Family Gardens has had such a large impact within our community its first year of growing their flower farm we are so excited for the future.
New Business of the Year: Southside Wash
Southside Wash is a new business in the community as of late last year and an excellent addition to Lancaster. Filling a gap in the self-service car wash market along with providing a topnotch automatic car wash. Southside Wash also brought a new service the community with their dog washing station. The owners of Southside Wash put a lot of effort into bringing a quality service to Lancaster and are extremely community minded. The owners are very supportive of other local businesses and events. It’s said by many that the businesses Facebook posts can brighten anyone’s days! Thank you for helping Lancaster grow and we wish you all the success in the future.
Southside Wash is a new business in the community as of late last year and an excellent addition to Lancaster. Filling a gap in the self-service car wash market along with providing a topnotch automatic car wash. Southside Wash also brought a new service the community with their dog washing station. The owners of Southside Wash put a lot of effort into bringing a quality service to Lancaster and are extremely community minded. The owners are very supportive of other local businesses and events. It’s said by many that the businesses Facebook posts can brighten anyone’s days! Thank you for helping Lancaster grow and we wish you all the success in the future.
Business Improvement Award: Gotta Dance Academy of Performing Arts
Gotta Dance opened up in august of 2010, bringing Lancaster its first all-encompassing performing arts business. Since then, it has impacted the lives of over 1,500 students through dance, piano, voice, and tumbling lessons. The studio was created by Brandi Dreher to allow children in our small town to have a creative outlet to expose them to a world of music. Throughout the years the studio has been lucky to work with students of all ages, abilities, interests, and aspirations. Gotta Dance has always worked to offer a variety of classes to meet each performer’s needs and desires. Gotta Dance also works throughout Grant County to help choreograph routines for performances such as Cabaret at Lancaster High School, Gymnastics routines, Lancaster Players Theatre performances, and acts for local talent shows. Gotta Dance also volunteers through performances each year at Night at the Square, the Grant County Fair, and Vacation Bible School! Most recently, at the end of January at their first competition, Gotta Dance was awarded, the highest scoring dance of the weekend out of 164 routines, top tap choreography, top hip hop choreography, many first place awards, an invitation to perform in Washington DC, and the top studio of the entire competition. Owner Brandi Dreher believes that awards and accolades of Gotta Dance are incredible but, more importantly, what the children learn in dance class and at these events will have a positive lasting impact. Recently Gotta Dance Academy moved their studio to an existing building and renovated the space. This award is for making a sizable capital investment to improve interior of existing building and to expand operations that better serve its customers in the Lancaster community.
Gotta Dance opened up in august of 2010, bringing Lancaster its first all-encompassing performing arts business. Since then, it has impacted the lives of over 1,500 students through dance, piano, voice, and tumbling lessons. The studio was created by Brandi Dreher to allow children in our small town to have a creative outlet to expose them to a world of music. Throughout the years the studio has been lucky to work with students of all ages, abilities, interests, and aspirations. Gotta Dance has always worked to offer a variety of classes to meet each performer’s needs and desires. Gotta Dance also works throughout Grant County to help choreograph routines for performances such as Cabaret at Lancaster High School, Gymnastics routines, Lancaster Players Theatre performances, and acts for local talent shows. Gotta Dance also volunteers through performances each year at Night at the Square, the Grant County Fair, and Vacation Bible School! Most recently, at the end of January at their first competition, Gotta Dance was awarded, the highest scoring dance of the weekend out of 164 routines, top tap choreography, top hip hop choreography, many first place awards, an invitation to perform in Washington DC, and the top studio of the entire competition. Owner Brandi Dreher believes that awards and accolades of Gotta Dance are incredible but, more importantly, what the children learn in dance class and at these events will have a positive lasting impact. Recently Gotta Dance Academy moved their studio to an existing building and renovated the space. This award is for making a sizable capital investment to improve interior of existing building and to expand operations that better serve its customers in the Lancaster community.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Schmidt
Bob have been leaders in the community for over 50 years. From his start downtown he have grown Gassers to a multi-store tri-state area success.
Bob has also had volunteered in numerous ways in the City, including serving as a volunteer at the fire department, as well as being a City Council member. Bob and his family have been members of St. Clements parish for decades and giving time and donations as needed.
Bob has also invested in many properties in the City, the most recognizable being the Wright Block (in conjunction with the Fritz and Schacht families) which converted historic buildings that many thought would be better torn down into a beautiful and thriving commercial/residential space.
Finally, Bob has made significant charitable contributions across the community, including Grant Regional Hospital, Schreiner Library, the Lancaster Pool, and many other important community activities.
Bob have been leaders in the community for over 50 years. From his start downtown he have grown Gassers to a multi-store tri-state area success.
Bob has also had volunteered in numerous ways in the City, including serving as a volunteer at the fire department, as well as being a City Council member. Bob and his family have been members of St. Clements parish for decades and giving time and donations as needed.
Bob has also invested in many properties in the City, the most recognizable being the Wright Block (in conjunction with the Fritz and Schacht families) which converted historic buildings that many thought would be better torn down into a beautiful and thriving commercial/residential space.
Finally, Bob has made significant charitable contributions across the community, including Grant Regional Hospital, Schreiner Library, the Lancaster Pool, and many other important community activities.
Business Leader(s) of the Year: Keri & Kelsi Retalick
When we think of The Meat Schoppe you think (meat of course) But you also think LOCAL and FAMILY! Tonight we would like to recognize Keri Retalick the owner of The Meat Schoppe. When told about receiving this award Keri made it very clear that she wouldn’t of been able to accomplish anything without her daughter Kelsi. The Meat Schoppe is a true family business and ones success is all. So tonight we will also be recognizing Kelsi and all her hard work in making these wonderful accomplishment come to light! They have always had the goal to provide local meat and other products to the community. The beef comes from her family's farm in Glen Haven, and the pork and chicken come from other local families in the area. In addition to this, they work with other local farmers and growers to provide other specialty products in the Schoppe. However, providing the local products for the community is only part of the business. Additionally, they ensures their team provides top notch customer service, doing all they can to make sure every customer leaves the store happy, satisfied, and wanting to come back. Furthermore, they have expanded the business to serve lunches to the community, and most recently started in the catering side of business. Over the holiday season, the Meat Schoppe spearheaded the "Fill the Freezer" project, where community members could donate meat products to the local food pantry. In the first year, The Meat Schoppe was able to donate $500 and nearly 100 lbs of meat to the food pantry. Not to mention, Keri does all this while still maintaining a full time job at the Wisconsin Pork Association. We proud to award Keri and Kelsi Business Leaders of the year.
When we think of The Meat Schoppe you think (meat of course) But you also think LOCAL and FAMILY! Tonight we would like to recognize Keri Retalick the owner of The Meat Schoppe. When told about receiving this award Keri made it very clear that she wouldn’t of been able to accomplish anything without her daughter Kelsi. The Meat Schoppe is a true family business and ones success is all. So tonight we will also be recognizing Kelsi and all her hard work in making these wonderful accomplishment come to light! They have always had the goal to provide local meat and other products to the community. The beef comes from her family's farm in Glen Haven, and the pork and chicken come from other local families in the area. In addition to this, they work with other local farmers and growers to provide other specialty products in the Schoppe. However, providing the local products for the community is only part of the business. Additionally, they ensures their team provides top notch customer service, doing all they can to make sure every customer leaves the store happy, satisfied, and wanting to come back. Furthermore, they have expanded the business to serve lunches to the community, and most recently started in the catering side of business. Over the holiday season, the Meat Schoppe spearheaded the "Fill the Freezer" project, where community members could donate meat products to the local food pantry. In the first year, The Meat Schoppe was able to donate $500 and nearly 100 lbs of meat to the food pantry. Not to mention, Keri does all this while still maintaining a full time job at the Wisconsin Pork Association. We proud to award Keri and Kelsi Business Leaders of the year.
Business of the Year: Doolittle’s Pub & Eatery
Doolittle’s has done so much for the Lancaster community. From donating pizzas to the theater group on long practice days to hosting Friday night football team suppers after home games, and supporting the Chamber with time and services. Kevin Timmerman and his crew always donate their time, money, discounts, and so much more to all the local sports teams, groups, music, dance, etc. Doolittle’s truly is the heart of the community. They strive to make this town great. Besides all the wonderful things Doolittle’s does for the community, they have a top notch restaurant with a fabulous atmosphere. Local and non local companies and families share special celebrations there. Between hosting or catering you can be sure to have great food and fun thanks to Doolittle’s. Doolittle’s is a place of comfort where a family can dine in, Children can play without upsetting people, while parents get to eat or talk with family and friends. It’s a place that is home and Lancaster would be at a tremendous lost without it. Kevin and his team is not afraid to make changes and be innovated. They have recently added to their outdoor space provided Lancaster something new for patrons to enjoy. We our honored to present the Business of the Year to Doolittle’s Pub & Eatery for their leadership to not only other local businesses but the outstanding support of our community.
Doolittle’s has done so much for the Lancaster community. From donating pizzas to the theater group on long practice days to hosting Friday night football team suppers after home games, and supporting the Chamber with time and services. Kevin Timmerman and his crew always donate their time, money, discounts, and so much more to all the local sports teams, groups, music, dance, etc. Doolittle’s truly is the heart of the community. They strive to make this town great. Besides all the wonderful things Doolittle’s does for the community, they have a top notch restaurant with a fabulous atmosphere. Local and non local companies and families share special celebrations there. Between hosting or catering you can be sure to have great food and fun thanks to Doolittle’s. Doolittle’s is a place of comfort where a family can dine in, Children can play without upsetting people, while parents get to eat or talk with family and friends. It’s a place that is home and Lancaster would be at a tremendous lost without it. Kevin and his team is not afraid to make changes and be innovated. They have recently added to their outdoor space provided Lancaster something new for patrons to enjoy. We our honored to present the Business of the Year to Doolittle’s Pub & Eatery for their leadership to not only other local businesses but the outstanding support of our community.
Outstanding Non-Profit of the Year: Southwest Opportunities Center
Southwest Opportunities Center (SOC) offers a variety of programming options from employment opportunities to socialization, recreation, and community connections to meet a wide range of interest levels and abilities. Their objective is to assist each individual in meeting their specific needs to support personal growth and development. Also running Lancaster’s Thrift store and Sun Garden.
Southwest Opportunities demonstrated significant and impactful contributions to the community while serving over 100 individuals within Grant County and the surrounding area.
Southwest Opportunities Center (SOC) offers a variety of programming options from employment opportunities to socialization, recreation, and community connections to meet a wide range of interest levels and abilities. Their objective is to assist each individual in meeting their specific needs to support personal growth and development. Also running Lancaster’s Thrift store and Sun Garden.
Southwest Opportunities demonstrated significant and impactful contributions to the community while serving over 100 individuals within Grant County and the surrounding area.