Cooney's cream of the crop recognized by chamber

Posted: Oct. 26, 2011

The Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the names of recipients for its 2011 Annual Awards which will be presented at a celebratory dinner on Nov. 2.

Sponsored by First Bank Financial Centre and the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, the event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Olympia Resort, 1350 Royale Mile Road, and will feature WTMJ Talk Radio 620 AM personality, Jeff Wagner, as its guest speaker.

The individuals and companies recognized this year include.

Citizen

Jalane Sauer is an active volunteer in the community, serving as President of Moonlit Movies Board, a member of the Rotary Club and a board member of the Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund. She helps coordinate Kid's Fest each year and was a coordinator of volunteers for Imagination Station and is currently helping with Haunted High.

"She epitomizes the word 'volunteer.' She is very active in the community and in her church. We're very happy to recognize her for what she does," said Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pat Ornberg.

Service Organization

Greener Oconomowoc's mission is to provide the Oconomowoc Area with a healthy community, a healthy economy and a healthy environment through the understanding and implementation of the Natural Step principles. It is involved with multigenerational and youth educational opportunities, philanthropic support helping to improve the quality of life locally, leadership development and environmental leadership.

"Greener Oconomowoc winning the 2011 Service Organization of the Year from the Oconomowoc Chamber is the positive momentum our leadership and members need to move forward with our current and future projects," said Bonnie Lewis-Tschannen, president of Greener Oconomowoc for 2011-12.

Green Business Awards

New this year to the chamber's annual awards is the recognition, by company size, of companies that are making environmentally friendly business decisions.

"We try to keep up with the times and the focus of businesses. Green business is becoming more and more popular in the area and across the country," explained Ornberg.

"We thought in order to give it its importance in the community, we should recognize those businesses that gone above and beyond to initiate green practices and sustainability in their companies," she added.

Green Business Awards went to the following businesses.

Evolution Marketing, small business

One of the company's core values has been the incorporation of environmental sustainability and stewardship into all aspects of the business organization.

"As a small-business owner I strive to make sustainable business decisions, which limit the environmental impact of Evolution Marketing's activities while working hard to source materials locally and further support the local economy," said Lisa Geason-Bauer, owner/manager of the business. "Being awarded the first Green Business of the Year Award (small business category) by the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce demonstrates that the Evolution Marketing team is on the right track in relationship to reducing waste, saving energy and eliminating pollution.

"Since Evolution Marketing works within the fields of environmental communication and green marketing, it is important to practice what we preach. Being named the 2011 Green Business of the Year, further demonstrates to the business community and our clientele that we are leading by example," Geason-Bauer added.

Sentry Equipment Corp., medium-sized business

Sentry has been supplying engineered solutions since 1924 to a wide range of corporate clients, including leaders in the industries of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cement, food, dairy and others. They have received the recognition as a member of the Green Masters Program in Wisconsin for their efforts on the road to sustainability.

Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, large business

OMH is dedicated to creating a healthy environment for patients, staff and community. Ninety-two percent of original hospital building materials were recycled as part of its patient tower construction project. The hospital is using no-VOC paint, some natural flooring, green roofs, LED lighting, occupancy sensors, zone control for ventilation, waterless urinals, and low-flow faucets and showers to name a few.

"We appreciate this recognition of Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital's commitment to providing a healthy and environmentally friendly environment for our patients," explained John Robertstad, president of ProHealth Care hospitals division.

"This commitment extends beyond our hospital walls to also helping our community become a more green place to live," he added.

Business of the Year

Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly's reputation has been built on superior services, fair prices, quality products, cleanliness and by making the needs of its customers their number-one priority.

During its time in business, Fox Bros. have donated more than $936,000 to various Lake Country groups and organizations. They are making strides in the world of "green" and energy efficiency as a grocer. On most Saturdays and Sundays during the summer, various community groups will sell brats, hamburgers and hot dogs in front of their store to help raise money for their respective organizations. The store's team members also participate in the Waukesha County's Adopt-a-Highway program. In 2010, they received the Waukesha County Business of the Year award and various awards annually from the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors.

"We were very surprised and honored," to win the award, owner Pat Fox said.

"It means a lot to us. It's a reflection of all the great efforts by our team members. We are very proud to receive the award and very proud of all the people we work with every day who made this happen. The Oconomowoc Chamber has given us a wonderful honor," he added.

The reservation deadline to attend this chamber celebration is Oct. 28. The event is open to the general public. For more information or to make reservations, contact the chamber office at (262) 567-2666.