1/26/17 – The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce last night welcomed a new president, honored one of its members, and named a business, non-profit and citizen of the year.
Jeff Davis took the gavel as President of the Chamber from Chris Connaughty who served for the past year. Kraig Kasten was named the Chamber Member Of The Year.
Kasten began his association with the chamber as a business member, worked for the Chamber for a time and is again a member. He began his association with Chamber as a volunteer for a one-day event and continued his contributions for nine years.
Northwoods Paper Converting is the Business of the Year. Founded in 2000 with four employees, owners Chad Abel and Jim Moreau have grown it to a total of 180 employees with a 265-thousand square-foot facility in Beaver Dam with a sister company in Pennsylvania. Northwoods converts large rolls of paper from mills into a variety of products for its customers. The company has contributed in significant ways to numerous local charities and fund raising efforts.
Green Valley Enterprises is the Non-Profit Organization Of The Year. Executive Director Brian Jacobson accepted the honor. Green Valley was founded in 1968 by a group of local citizens who wanted to provide services for individuals with special needs. It now provides a wide range of services for everyone from infants to the elderly for individuals and their families. Jacobson says Beaver Dam is a very giving community.
Bev Beal-Loeck is the Citizen of the Year. Beal-Loeck, who is a long time member of the Beaver Dam School Board, has volunteered for numerous non-profit and charitable organizations. She currently heads up community relations for Church Health Services and has also served with the YMCA, the Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation, Kiwanis Club, Beaver Dam Plan Commission, the Beaver Dam Area Arts Association, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Downtown Beaver Dam Inc.
