(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Dinner and Awards Gala Wednesday night at Old Hickory Country Club. A number of local businesses and individuals were honored.
The Large Business Innovation Award was presented to WDS Construction:
YMCA approached WDS Construction about expanding their weight room by adding a second floor to their old racquetball courts. To give them a second floor, WDS needed to install a 40’ long beam with very little clearance between the existing walls of the racquetball courts.
Numerous ideas were pitched on how they make this happen, but the WDS Team ultimately proposed removing one of the exterior concrete wall panels. This allowed them to have an 8’ wide hole to get the beam into the building. Removing the wall panel (which weighed 28,000 lbs) also allowed a mini excavator to remove the old slab, dig new footings for the structural steel, and set the new structural steel with a telehandler.
Using the mini excavator and telehandler allowed the tasks to be completed efficiently and safely, ultimately reducing the project schedule time and saving the client money. While the 2nd floor was being constructed, the WDS team also constructed a temporary insulated wall with doors to seal the building from the elements. After the 2nd floor was installed, the WDS crew removed the temporary wall, reinstalled the existing concrete wall panel, and sealed the building back up. You would never know that the panel was removed if you were to walk by.
This is just one example of how WDS Construction can be innovative in solving a problem. They’re often called upon to help manufacturing, food processing, and cold storage clients with solutions that minimize disruptive downtime (resulting in lost revenues) and allow the real work of our clients to still get done. WDS approaches every project, no matter how large or small, with a philosophy founded on creating a client experience that drives the betterment of our clients’ businesses and the communities we serve.
Art On The Town was tabbed as the Small Business Innovation Award:
Art on the Town Wisconsin – The Studio is a community space where everyone can learn to create and express themselves through art! Owner, Kris Schumacher-Rasmussen, understands that art can be an expensive hobby for some, especially if you give up after buying all the supplies.
That is why Kris’s idea of providing art supplies at a low cost, and also leading lessons and events for people to develop their talents was such an innovative idea. Kris has dedicated herself to creating a welcoming, accessible space where customers of any age, skill level, or experience can make their own creations in a wide range of media, from pottery and canvas to fabric and wood and making learning art more accessible.
Additionally, Art on the Town has provided a focal point for Beaver Dam’s creative community by hosting events that foster artistic growth and build connections. Kris’s husband Eric and children Maren and Isaac can also be found helping out at Art on the Town Wisconsin – The Studio.
The Non-Profit Innovation Award went to Green Valley Enterprises:
Opportunities, Inc. of Jefferson County and Green Valley Enterprises, Inc. of Beaver Dam formally merged on June 1, 2022. Their combined missions have enabled the organizations to expand service choices and social enterprises, while boldly advancing the lives of people with diverse abilities, backgrounds, and life circumstances. This strategic action will ensure long term organizational sustainability while building upon the pioneering spirit of the collective leadership and team.
Opportunities, Inc. and Green Valley Enterprises will collectively serve over five thousand individuals in a host of mission services, including GVE Life Academy, Birth to Three, school to work transition for youth, vocational training and employment, corporate guardianship, community engagement, independent life skills and a multitude of professional career paths through social enterprising. “Great things”, are only the beginning.
Six people were singled out for the Five Under Forty Award.
That includes Matthew Berg of Horicon Bank:
After graduation from UW-La Crosse, with a degree in finance, Matt began working as a Credit Analyst at Horicon Bank. Due to his dedication to his work, co-workers, customers, and community, he was promoted to a commercial lender and officer at the bank. In his short lending career to date, he has shown strong loan growth and portfolio knowledge.
What sparked his interest to become a lender was when he helped spearhead the SBA Paycheck Protection Program at Horicon Bank during the pandemic. Nominated by Executive Vice President of Horicon Bank, Al Schwab, Al tells us Matt quickly became a much-needed asset as he worked long days to help his coworkers and customers better understand the guidelines of the program, which greatly benefited both parties.
Matt has always been community oriented and has proven that to this point. He is a Board Member and sitting on the finance committee of the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Leadership Beaver Dam Class of 2023, a steering committee member of BD Connect, a networking and volunteering group for young professionals, and was an assistant football coach for our very own Golden Beavers.
Matt is married to Courtney Berg and is excited to be back as a professional living in Beaver Dam. He hopes to continue to make a positive impact in this city for many years to come.
Drew Hamer of Marshfield Medical Center Beaver Dam:
Drew Hamer is the Director of Medical Staff Operations and EMS Co-Director at Marshfield Medical Center in addition to working clinically in the Emergency Department. Drew is known for his positivity, his huge smile, and his endless energy. He works tirelessly to create a positive workplace culture and loves connecting with community members and staff at Marshfield Medical.
Dr. Jamie Deering nominated Drew for his exceptional leadership and community stewardship by overseeing the success of several projects including “Zero-Suicide.” He has worked diligently to create training programs for local firemen, paramedics, and EMS at no extra cost to our community’s first responders. Drew was awarded Outstanding Graduate at Shenandoah University. He was nominated for Board of Directors of Infinity Healthcare.
He was also nominated to attend Developing Envision Leaders Training and was selected to speak at the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants Conference in October. Drew is a member of Lone Eagle Fellowship, American Academy of Physician Assistants and Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants. Additionally, Drew was recently honored to take part in the Distinguished Visitors program of the United States Navy, where he toured the USS Carl Vinson Aircraft Carrier while it was at sea doing flight training as it prepares for deployment in the Pacific.
When he’s not making the community a healthier place, Drew is also a youth basketball coach at the YMCA and is a group leader at Edgewood Community church. Drew is married to his high school sweetheart Danielle Hamer and has three children, Elliana (10), Charles (8) and Adeline (6).
Emily McFarland with T3 Manufacturing:
Emily McFarlane is the Sales and Marketing Manager at T3 Manufacturing in Beaver Dam. Mary Vogl Rauscher nominated Emily and stated “Emily is an excellent example of a servant leader- she served as President for the Dodge County Society for Human Resource Management organization and was part of the team that coordinated two Diversity Equity and Inclusion Conferences for Dodge County, which won their group a national award” Emily has been an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce for almost ten years and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, 4-H, and many other community events with the Chamber.
Emily is a devoted employee, earning her multiple promotions and awards throughout her tenure at Remedy Intelligent Staffing and has now taken the leap to T3 Manufacturing to pioneer a new start-up company in rotational molding. Emily lives in Beaver Dam with her children, Liam (9 y/o) and Brooklyn (6 y/o). Her family is a huge part of her success and has supported Emily in her career path from the beginning. Emily enjoys hiking, camping, horseback riding, and exploring new outdoor adventures with her children, friends, and family. Yes, there’s always laundry at home.
Chelsey Seippel with the Seippel Center for Music and the Arts:
Chelsey grew up in Vail, Colorado, and Beaver Dam. She recently relocated to her childhood home in town and eagerly became engaged with multiple organizations to help make Beaver Dam a more thriving and vibrant community.
As President of The Peter J. Seippel Foundation (PJSF), a non-profit philanthropic perpetual foundation designed to enhance the lives of families and communities worldwide, Chelsey coordinates business affairs and activities to assist other non-profit organizations. She also serves as Executive Director for The Seippel Center for Music and the Arts, which houses music studios, various classes, exhibits, event space, and provides a variety of free concerts and programs for the community.
Chelsey has had a lifelong passion for helping others. Her educational background includes a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology; a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy; several Life Coaching, Art History & Business Planning Certifications; and an accreditation in Teaching English as a Second Language.
While living in The San Francisco Bay Area, Chelsey worked as a school counselor and founded Seippel Coaching & Consulting. She also volunteered with numerous charities including her experience as President of The Bay Area Arthritis Auxiliary and Make a Wish Foundation’s Young Professionals Board. She also chaired many committees and events for The San Francisco & Chicago Junior League, as well as The Symphony, Ballet, and Opera Leagues.
Locally, Chelsey serves as a board member of The Beaver Dam Area Community Theater and PAVE. She is an officer of The Beaver Dam Elks Lodge, a member of the Advisory Committee for the Beaver Dam Area Foundation and participates with various organizations such as Wayland Academy’s Engagement Committee, The Make a Wish Foundation and The Women’s Auxiliary, to name a few.
Chelsey enjoys spending quality time with friends, family, her two cats and beloved dog, Mozart and is excited to be part of the local community.
Dr. Stephanie Tyjeski with Tyjeski Family Chiropractic:
Stephanie Tyjeski has a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Masters in Nutrition and Human Performance and is part of Tyjeski Family Chiropractic in Beaver Dam. Stephanie is passionate about educating the community on natural health & wellness, chiropractic, nutrition, and diseases.
She holds free health and wellness classes monthly and has written articles to Inspire Magazine to educate their readers on how to be healthier in their daily lives. Stephanie is also very involved at Trinity Church United Methodist, where she is a leader at church camp, sings in the choir, and also plays the handbells! Stephanie is married to Doctor Josh Tyjeski and lives in Beaver Dam with their dogs Anna, Sparky, and Odie.
Stacy Shane with Slumberland Furniture:
Stacey Shane is the owner and director of sales at Slumberland Furniture. Stacey has spent almost 21 years working for the company and in the last 10 years, she and her husband, Jeff, took the huge leap to become the owners. Since taking ownership, they have built Slumberland Beaver Dam into a multi-million-dollar company, expanded to a second store in Watertown, and they have grown their family with their daughter McKenna.
Stacey was nominated by Sheri Sackett and Sheri attributes her success to treating her staff like family and having a strong sense of community. Stacey has been a Top Million-Dollar writer for their store group and achieved salesperson of the month for years for her overall store performance. Recognized as a top performer in the top 10 rankings for their store group and received business of the year award in 2013 for their Watertown location.
Stacey is a board member of the Beaver Dam Scholarship Foundation and hosts Women in Business meetings every quarter with the Chamber of Commerce. She also donates her time to families in need and military veterans in events such as “Home for the Holidays,” and “Heros for Heros.”, as well as events for the community such as Easter egg hunts, Santa greets and collaborates with the Chamber and Good Karma to bring free outdoor movies to the Slumberland parking lot and does a lot of charitable donations around Dodge and Jefferson Counties to keep your dollars local.
Samuel Behm, a senior at Cambria-Friesland High School who owns Cutting Edge Lawn Services, was presented with the Emerging Leader Award:
The Emerging Leader award is in its second year of recognition and recognizes a high school or post-secondary student who has made a significant impact and positive difference in Beaver Dam through his/her leadership activities and/or work initiatives. Award recipient will be honored for being a community-oriented, professionally responsible, and academically prepared leader. A $200 Chamber Check will be awarded to this honoree.
“High School and Post-Secondary Students are vital to businesses and organizations in our community and we wanted to recognize an individual that is making impact in their community and encourage them to continue their efforts”, said Tracy Propst, Executive Director of the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce. “In fact this year the selection committee requested that we recognize an Honorable Mention because the applications were so close.” The individuals being honored is Samuel Behm.
Samuel Behm is owner and operator of Cutting Edge Lawn Services WI, LLC He is a senior from Cambria-Friesland High School, and, we believe, one of the youngest business owners to join the Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce. His FBLA Advisor Lorri Arnce wrote “Samuel has always been a leader and not a follower since I met him in Middle School. At 13 he started mowing lawns. He has taken several business and accounting classes and created his business expansion plan through Future Business Leaders of America. He is also certified in turf and landscape pesticide application. He competed last year in FBLA and earned his way to Nationals in June 2022. Since then, he expanded his business into snow plowing, added equipment, another business vehicle and employees.” Sam now has over 50 regular clients between snow removal and lawn care in a 15 mile radius of Beaver Dam. Sam understands the responsibility of being a business owner. He is accountable and is very customer focused. He
actively prospects new customers, does his own scheduling, completes his own estimations, billing, collections and marketing” Also, one of Sam’s customers said “The the lawn services Sam provides are done exceptionally well and our grounds have never looked better. He takes care of every detail, and I feel he completes a task with perfection and expects the same of his employees. It is astonishing to me that he is running a successful business and going to High School full-time.”
Sam is the President of the Senior class of 2023, Business Manager of the Yearbook, Treasurer of the FBLA chapter, a member of FFA taking agriculture courses to enhance his knowledge of landscaping and lawn care, and was a member of the band. He is also on student council, participates in fund-raising and community service events through school including “Community Service Day”, and raising funds for FBLA activities. After graduation Sam plans to continue to grow his business by expansion and is taking courses in engine repair to be able to make his own repairs. He is also pursuing a degree in Landscape Horticulture. Sam’s parents are Syd & Jane Behm and has a sister Sarah.
Award recipients were nominated by community members and the applications were judged by individuals outside of the Beaver Dam area that represented Chamber of Commerce, business, and leadership. The Annual Dinner and Awards theme is “Black Ties and Blue Jeans Gala” which means dressing up and down, such as, denim and diamonds or cocktail dress and cowboy boots. The event is at Old Hickory Golf Club with a cocktail reception at 5:d0 pm and dinner at 6:00 pm. Recognition of the Five Under Forty and Innovation Awards will also take place.
