2009 Award Winners

 

Photo by KK Photography
 

  
 
  Left to right top: Abbie Rodriguez, Kathy Chiaverotti, Matt Vlaj, Cheryl Smith, Samantha Holten, Scott Allen, Heather Winsor, Alex Roelli, Jeremy Rynders, Jim Semrad, Judy Semrad, Liz Schutz, Therese Frinzi

Front: Mary Bellmore		  
 
   
Business of the Year – Piggly Wiggly
 
Jim and Judy Semrad, who have owned the Sentry grocery store on Racine Ave. in Muskego since it was built in 1995, became Piggy Wiggly franchisees and converted the store in fall of 2008. Since the switch, they have doubled their employment from 50-100 and continue to experience customer and sales increase of 10% each week. Through the business, Jim and Judy have also served as good corporate citizens by assisting in fundraisers for local organizations. The Semrad’s are a staple in the community providing necessary and quality services.

V.I.P. (Volunteer in Partnership Award) – E.J. Salentine
Throughout its 85 years of business as a Pontiac/Buick dealership, EJ Salentine has continually given back to the community. The D.A.R.E Program, Annual Child Seat Safety Clinic, Tess Corners Fire Department, schools, youth groups, along with providing vehicles for the driver education program are just some of the quality programs they have supported. The latest is opening their employee lunch room for the Muskego Food Pantry to serve our citizens in need. E.J. Salentine Buick-Pontiac has helped make Southeastern Wisconsin a better place for all to live in.
 
Special Recognition – ACE Worldwide
Persons and businesses that do the work of seeking out communities that match their needs and prepare proposals and bid packages for quality developments are essential to community economic growth. The Muskego Chamber recognizes ACE Worldwide for its investment in Muskego with the development of Muskego Commerce Center on Moorland Road.
 
The project is an estimated 57 acres for total development with the GE healthcare Distribution Center on approximately 33 acres.  The original TID had a 15 year schedule to be paid off and future development of the other 24 acres here should reduce the payoff period tremendously.  
  
 
Mayor’s Beautification Award – Twins Flowers & Home Décor
Each year the Mayor has the pleasure of recognizing a business that has improved its property enhancing Muskego. The 2009 Mayor’s Beautification Award goes to Twins Flowers and Home Décor.
 
Twins is family owned and operated (Therese Frinzi and Liz  Schutz. They are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. That is why Twins always goes the extra mile to decorate the exterior for every season making for a pleasant experience for patrons and passersby.
 
 
Ambassador of the Year – Mary Belmore, Harris Bank
 
Spreading the goodwill of the Chamber while recruiting and welcoming new members is what ambassadors are all about. Each year one ambassador will stand out in the crowd and this year that ambassador is Mary Belmore with Harris Bank. 
 
To ensure steadfast delivery and proper welcome to new members, Mary has taken on the task of picking up new member plaques at the Chamber and delivering them to approximately 40 new members throughout the year. While doing so, the new members gain by having the comfort of connecting with Mary at networking events.
 
 
Rookie of the Year – Scott Allen, Shorewest Realtors
In July of 2009, Scott Allen of Shorewest Realty joined the Chamber. But before he joined he inquired about all the committees and networking opportunities available to his staff members. Scott understands that membership will mean more to him and his staff members if everyone is engaged. Shorewest Team member, Alex Roelli, became an ambassador while the other team realtors actively participate at networking events.
 
Youth Volunteer Scholarship Award ($1000) –  Samantha Holten
 
Sam’s goal begins with attending schools such as Stanford University, UW-Madison or Brown University to acquire an undergraduate degree, then on to  pursuing a doctorate in medicine and ultimately becoming a general or cardiovascular surgeon. While in college she will set her sights on getting involved in Doctors Without Borders or similar group traveling to areas in need of medical care. It is her hope to care for under privileged people around the world and to help educate residents of the importance of good health. Quoting Samantha’s closing essay remarks, “I know I will be able to accomplish my goals because of my education and strong work ethic I will keep throughout my life. I feel all of my goals are attainable as long as I try my best.” Samantha carries a 4.425 GPA and is a MHS senior student involved in many extra-curricular activities including Varsity Swim, Student Council, Principals Cabinet, Marching Band, Track & Field, School Improvement Team and is a member of the National and Spanish Honor Society as well as Tri-M Music Honors.