ALGOMA AREA CHAMBER
To promote business prosperity, tourism, and community
involvement by providing information, services and
advocacy for the Algoma Community and our members.
2024 Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Beacon Awards
Algoma is such a wonderful community that is larger than the sum of its parts. The Algoma Area Chamber of Commerce Beacon Awards aims to recognize some crucial parts that serve as a source of light and inspiration for the rest of us.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2024 Beacon Awards. The 2024 winners were honored at the Beacon Awards Banquet held on April 29, 2024, at Robert Ray Gallery Lakeside Event Space, 520 Parkway St. Algoma, WI, and catered by Moe’s Corner.
The 2024 winners are:
Rose Improvement Award: Timber Trail Campground, presented by Rosemary Paladini
Lighthouse Award: Pat Qualman, presented by Jennifer Massey
Rising Star Award: Steel Belly BBQ, presented by Anthony Bilwin
Tower Business Award: Ladybug Glass – Studio & Gallery, presented by Rosemary Paladini
Lantern Education Award: Jesse Brinkmann, presented by Jennifer Massey
The Beacon Award categories are as follows;
“Tower” Business Award: a business that shows leadership in the business community while also making an impact on our local community
“Lighthouse” Award: a volunteer or community person that has made a significant impact in the Algoma area.
“Lantern” Education Award: an educator or school employee who goes above and beyond to meet the needs of students, peers or the education community.
“Rising Star” Award: Recognizes a new company or member of note that has had an impact on the local business community.
“Rose” Improvement Recognition: a business nominated by the public/membership for notable improvements to their place of business.
Past Award Winners
April 17, 2023, awarded at Homestead Kitchen & Tap
Lighthouse Award: Sue Hepp
Lighthouse Award: Terry Dart
Tower Award: Debbie Kiedrowski & CTI Hospitality
Rose Award: Gayle Krueger & St. Vincent dePaul Society of Algoma
Rising Star: Ruse Cocktail Bar
Rising Star: Son of Skaliwags
Lantern Award: Diana Vlies
August 2, 2022, awarded at Algoma Concerts in the Park
Lighthouse – Wayne Schmidt
Tower – BALL Auto & Truck Parts
Rose – Bay Shore Outfitters
Rising Star – The Honeycomb
Lantern Education – Cindy Massey
August 5, 2021, awarded at Algoma Concerts in the Park
Lighthouse – Cathy Pabich
Tower – Lee Haasch
Rose – Smashed on the Rocks Saloon
Rising Star – Trove
Education – Leadership Through High Adventure/Mike Kruise, Menu Kruise, Eric Nelson
April 22, 2019 , awarded at Hotel Stebbins – Introduction of Beacon Awards
Business – Scenic Shore Inn
Rising Star – Yardstick: Bookshop and Gallery
Lighthouse – Abigail Robinson
Education – Emily Rankin, Algoma Elementary School
Employee – Seth Schroepfer, CTI Hospitality
Allie Groessl and Judy Srnka for over 25 years of volunteer service to the Chamber
Business, Industry & Education Awards (BIE)
April 30, 2018 , awarded at Hotel Stebbins
Business – Ebert Enterprises
Industry – Ahnapee Brewery
Education – Custodians at Algoma High School
Aesthetic – CTI Hospitality
Family – Forestville Builders
Rose Awards – Algoma Pizza Bowl, BellaLuna’s Apothecary, The Book Corner, Contract Sales and Operations, and 5th Steele Place
April 10, 2017, awarded at Hotel Stebbins
Aesthetic Award: Timber Trail Campground, presented by Sara Krouse
Business Leadership: North Water Bakery and Deli, presented by Chamber Board member William Bluett, Ministries Door County Health/Algoma
Education Leadership: Lori Miller, St. Paul’s School, presented by Chamber Board President, John Price, Bank of Luxemburg
Family Award: Algoma Motors, presented by Ann Schmitz, A&L Services
Industry Leadership: Algoma Lumber Company, presented by Jeff Dier, Forestville Builders
April 29, 2016, awarded at Hotel Stebbins
Business: Clay on Steele
Industry:
Education: Teal VanLanen, Brenda Pairolero /Algoma School District
Retiring Education: Gail Haack
Retiring Librarian: Rita Schiesser/Algoma Public Library
Family Business: Kendra Bulgrin & Jimmy Eddings/ James May Gallery
Pizazz Award: Dave Schoenborn/Comfortably Numb
April 29, 2015, awarded at Hotel Stebbins
Business: Chris Wiltfang/ Skaliwags
Industry: Tim Treml/Bank of Luxemburg
Education: Nick Cochart /Algoma School District
Retiring Education: Paul Prochnow, Donna Straka
Retiring Librarian: Mary Bohman/Algoma Public Library
Family Business: Gary and Barb Pazdera & Steve Pazdera /Alaskan Golf Course
Volunteer/Service Award: Ken and Pat Marquardt/Kewaunee County Food Pantry
Pizazz Award: Pete and Jenny Highland/Red’s Pub N Grill
April 30, 2014, awarded at Hotel Stebbins
Business: Bryan Neubauer/Ahnapee Construction
Industry: Aric and Brad Schmiling/Ahnapee Brewery
Education: Ron Welch /Algoma School District
Family Business: Brenda Nimmer, Tammy Dauck, and Don & Wendy Walter/Walters Do it Best Hardware
Pizazz Award: Troy Mattson and Bret Cook/Kinn’s Sport Fishing
April 24, 2013, awarded at Hotel Stebbins
Business: Kristine Ruehl/Hotel Stebbins
Industry: John and Debbie Kiedrowski/ CTI Hospitality Inc.
Education: Randy and Mary Novak /Algoma School District
Family Business: Tim Kinnard, Jim Kinnard & Rose LeFevre/Wiesner & Massart Inc.
Pizazz Award: Terry Hannah & Krystal Williams/Stadium Diner and Bar
Retirees in Education: Jean Berg/Head Cook and Marie Marin/ Librarian and (surprise) Kathy Romdenne/School Nurse, Algoma School District & Laura Krzysiak Principal at St. Mary’s
April 24, 2012, awarded at Hotel Stebbins
Business: Bellin Health, Dr. Robert Anderson
Industry: Baylake Bank
Education: Niki Gould
FAMILY BUSINESS: Seiler Tire, Jim and Mike Anderson
Employee Appreciation:
Roses as acknowledgements: Tina Marie’s
April 27, 2010 Hotel Stebbins
Business: Lynn Truckey, Steele Street Floral
Industry: Estelle Richmond, The Ceramic Shoppe
Education: Erin Ballone
NON-Teacher Education: Blackie Deprey
FAMILY BUSINESS: Grosbeier
Special Recognition: Dr. Schilling; Jeff Rabas
Roses as acknowledgements: JP Express; Eclipse Gallery; Red’s Pub & Grill; Flora Lee, Olson Fabrication
March 31, 2009 Hotel Stebbins
Business: Jenelle Glime, Caffe’ Tlazo
Industry: Olson Fabrication, Inc.
Education: Mike LaCrosse
FAMILY BUSINESS: Algoma Motors
Rose Awards to: Denny’s SuperValu, Algoma Mercantile, Steelhead Saloon, Harbor View Condos
Special Recognition: Les & Rosemary Will; Barry Hafeman
Roses as acknowledgements: Jandu Express; Olson Fabrication, Inc.; von Stiehl; Fisherman’s Haven; North Water Bakery/Deli; School auditorium.
Retiring: Billy Goats
April 22, 2008 JW’s in Slovan 93 attendees
Business: Dr. Kenny, Kenny Chiropractic
Industry: Howard Kinn
Education: Duane Ruleau
FIRST-EVER FAMILY BUSINESS: Denny’s SuperValu
Rose Awards to: Denny’s SuperValu, Algoma Mercantile, Steelhead Saloon, Harbor View Condos
Community Recognition: Rowena Gorz
Special Recognition: Dave Petri, Dave Wood
Roses as acknowledgements: Linda B. for retiring; JW’s for hosting;
Retiring: Jim LeCloux
April 19, 2007 CJ’s in Kewaunee 84 attendees
Business: Hudsons (Bonnie & Dave)
Industry: Ebert Enterprises
Education: Bob Garfinkel, Literacy Partners of Kewaunee County.
Education: David Loos
Rose Awards: Dave Baumann Plumbing & Heating; Captain’s Mistress; Havenly Inn; Precision Machine; Wiese Memorial; Truckeys; Secrest Family Chiropractic.
Community Recognition: Mary Nelson
Retiring: Bruce Steinhagen
April 27, 2006 Hotel Stebbins ***
Business: Clay on Steele (Ellen Levenhagen & Mark Kolinski)
Industry: Precision Machine
Education: Cindy Massy (St. Mary’s School); Laurabell (AHS Office retired)
Community Service: Dick Glueckert (Board of Education)
Community Service: Lee Lawrenz (Algoma Record Herald)
Rose Awards: Natural Light Studios; Hotel Stebbins
Volunteer/Service Award: Susan Dunham
April 19, 2005 Alaskan Golf Club ***
Business: Susan Connor & Robyn Mulhaney, Flying Pig
Industry: Algoma Lumber
Education: Science Team, Donna Straka, Penny Lemberger, Eric Nelson, Annette Walaszek.
Special Recognition: Bruce & Sissy Heidmann
Rose Award: Ceramics-N-Gifts
Volunteer/Service Award: JoAnn & Duke Schneider
Volunteer/Service Award: Ann Schmitz
Volunteer/Service Award: Lynn (Moss) Busch
Business Years of Service to Community: Bonnie Johnson for Northshore
April 8, 2004 THE YEAR OF THE TEAM Hotel Stebbins ***
Business: Jane Sweasy, Jag Outdoor
TEAM Business Leadership: F&M Linda Vandenack, Mary DeVillers, Dottie Klaczko
Education Team: Balanced Literacy Team, Chris Maas, Gail Mullendore, Mary Novak,
Lois Stach, Karen Treml, Diana Vlies, Heather Zimmer.
Special Recognition: VIC Volunteers
Rose Award: Steele Street Floral, Lynn & Jim Truckey
Rose Award: Ivy Cottage, Dawn Dachelet, Tina Lawrence, and Katie Brandt
Rose Award: Caffe’ Tlazo, Jenelle Glime
April 1, 2003 Hotel Stebbins ***
Business: Bearcats (Margo)
Industry: Tom Dier Forestville Builders Supply (Russ)
Education: Mike LaCrosse (Tom Flood)
Special Recognition: Mary Pat Carlson
Rose Award: Bruce Steinhagen (Jim Rabas)
April 23, 2002 Alaskan Supper Club ***
Business: Tina Marie (Sissy)
Industry: Algoma Hardwoods
Education:
Public: Linda Benaszeski & Merlyn Burkard
St. Mary’s: Marietta Kenzik (Brian Kuss presents)
St. Paul’s: Brian & Lori Miller
Special Recognition: Gini Haske (Sue Dunham will present)
March 29, 2001 Pier 42 106 attendees
Business: Jag Haegele (Lee Haasch presented)
Special Leadership Award: Jack Schad
Education: Mary Mayhew & William Dennee
April 11, 2000 Alaskan Supper Club 82 attendees
Business: Robert J. Weber, Weber Insurance (Jim Rabas presented)
Industry: Larry Wilken, Tri-County Publishing (Pam Ritchie presented)
Education: Judy Rocque, Dale Larson presented; and Dale Larson, Steve Mayheu presented.
Retired teachers: Merle & Cathy Colburn and Nila Schley (Dale Larson presented)
April 23, 1998 Alaskan Supper Club 100 attendees
Business: Dennis & Linda Andre, Penguin City Restaurant
Industry: Joel Weichelt, Director of Manufacturing for KCDC (East Shore Ind.)
Education: Gail Mullendore, Algoma Elementary School teacher
More winners will be added to this history as documents are found.