For the 14th year, Progress Lakeshore celebrated outstanding performance among east-central Wisconsin’s business community during its annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards Breakfast, held this Tuesday morning at The Venue at Union Square in Manitowoc. The even was a gathering of local business and community leaders, celebrating the people, projects, and partnerships driving growth in Manitowoc County. Five awards were presented during the event.
The Corporate Investment Award, sponsored by CLA, was presented to Manitowoc Public Utilities in recognition of its innovative conversion of two power plant boilers from fossil fuels to 100% Wisconsin-recognized renewable fuel pellets. The project extended the life of the power plant and the jobs of over 30 skilled workers, while diverting 18,000 tons of industrial landfill waste each month, and represents the first-of-its-kind, cost-effective renewable energy model in Wisconsin.
The Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, sponsored by UnitedOne Credit Union went to The Nook, the area’s first mocktail lounge/coffee shop/bookstore. The nook is credited with marshaling strong support from the community into a successful, alcohol-free environment that promotes connection and creativity.
The Neighborhood Development Award, sponsored by Froedtert Holy Family Memorial, recognized Lakeshore College for its significant investment in healthcare education and workforce development via its new, state-of-the-art Center for Health Care Excellence which doubled its capacity to train up to 1,500 students in fields such as nursing, EMS and radiography annually.
Ascend Services, Inc. earned the Community Enhancement Award, sponsored by Jagemann Stamping in recognition of its dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities through education, employment, and its strong partnerships with local businesses.
The Economic Accelerator of the Year Award was presented to Adam Tegen, the Community Development Director for the City of Manitowoc. Tegen has spearheaded such major projects as the $12 million revitalization of the River Point District, and over $50 million in new development at the I-43 Industrial Park, as well as securing millions in public and private funding to support local businesses and community initiatives.
More information on this year’s winners, honorable mentions and nominees can be found here.
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