(Beaver Dam) A local broadcasting legend was honored by the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce Wednesday night. Uncle Bill McCollum was named this year’s Citizen Who Left a Legacy Honoree.
Uncle Bill, who had spent over 60 years at WBEV, passed away in September. The radio legend joins just two others who have received this recognition – Nancy Zieman and his longtime on-air partner the late John Moser.
During the chamber’s annual dinner and awards ceremony, Good Karma Brands Founder and CEO Craig Karmazin remarked on Uncle Bill’s incredible ability to connect with his fans.
“Bill McCollum was all about you,” Karmazin said. “Whether he was talking to you…working on your business…helping you get through a day…making you laugh…helping your cow’s milk a little bit better by playing a polka…that’s what Bill McCollum was, and it was so special.”
Uncle Bill’s career was also celebrated in 2017 when Stoddart Street, which runs for about two blocks in front of the radio station, was renamed Bill McCollum Way.
Also during the awards gala, two people were given the Emerging Leader Award. It is given to a high school or post-secondary student who has made a significant impact in Beaver dam through their leadership or work initiatives. This year’s winners were Christopher Born and Anna Sophia Schultz.
The Five under 40 Award honorees were Melanie Budde, Allyssa Gilmore, Ali Roth, Mitch Scherbring, and Kyle Schroeder.
The Large Business Innovation Award Winner went to Burgess Norton part of Amsted Automotive.
The Small Business Innovation Award Winner went to Let’s Go Play. An Honorable Mention Award was given to Pine Hill Insurance.
The Nonprofit Innovation Award winner was GPS Education Partners and Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre was an Honorable Mention.
