Members of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce gathered together for the first time in two years for the annual awards banquet, held Monday, Feb. 21 at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course in River Falls. The theme, “Under the Big Top” paid homage to the circus the world has felt like the past two years.

Before the awards were distributed, Chamber Executive Team Member Becky Beissel told a story about a family who recently moved to the Ellsworth area from the Twin Cities. They chose Ellsworth because of its size, the quality of life and the fact that it has a Catholic elementary school. That was important to them, which illustrates the point that some aspects of a community are important to some but maybe not others. That doesn’t make them any less important in creating a desirable, quality place to live.

“It’s easy for us to forget what’s in our community if it doesn’t apply to us,” Beissel said.

The new library, the new elementary school, a pet groomer – these are all things the community offers that some may use but maybe not everyone. They’re still important to have. The community as a whole should cheer each other on, because the goal is the same for all – to create a quality community.

“I don’t have a crystal ball,” Beissel said. “I don’t know where we’re headed, but we’re all going in the same direction.”

She ended her remarks by thanking the supportive chamber board for guiding businesses through the “crazy circus” and “clown show” created by the pandemic. Many times, she wanted to throw her hands up and say “How are we going to do this?” The board made it possible to navigate a challenging time.

Chamber President Paul Bauer aimed to inspire those gathered to get involved in the community and chamber activities, to step into leadership roles even if it’s uncomfortable.

“I challenge everyone to make it a little uncomfortable for themselves,” Bauer said. “I expect everyone who wants to experience personal growth to feel a little uncomfortable.”

Big projects like the library move, bringing broadband internet to every home and business and pulling off Cheese Curd Festival makes the community a better place, but requires patience, perseverance and volunteers.

“We need leaders to step up,” Bauer said. “Big projects take a lot of time and don’t happen overnight.”

Before the awards were given out, the business portion of the gathering took place, with the board election. The following people were elected to the 2022 Chamber Board: President – Paul Bauer Vice President – Trent Nyhus Past President – Matt Anderson Treasurer – Raynee Farrell Directors – Dee Whipple, Jack McLoone and Casey Christopherson The 2021 ambassadors also received acknowledgement – Jenny Funk (Limelight Social Media), Leah Franklin (WESTconsin Credit Union), Tara Buechner (WESTconsin Credit Union), Raynee Farrell (CCF Bank), Tracey Hines (CCF Bank), Dee Whipple (Musty Barnhart Agency), Jarod Traynor (The Service Agency), Kenzi Rinhahl (The Service Agency), Brooke Cupp (Pierce Pepin), John Freeman (Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery), Brianna Bucholz (BB Benefit Group) and Trent Nyhus (Farmers Insurance Nyhus Agency) 

The Best of 2022 awards are special in that they are chosen by the community, through virtual voting that takes place over a two-week period. This is the seventh year for this competition.

Best New Business – SS Ranch

Best Restaurant/Bar/Tavern – Broz Bar

Best Tourism/Destination – Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Best Health & Wellness – YB Urban?

Best Professional Home Service – Reuvers’ Nursery

Best Professional Service – Designs by Jill

Best Nonprofit Organization – St. Francis Catholic Church & School

Best Customer Service – Wild Arrows Boutique

The Small Business of the Year award went to Paperboy John McLoone and the Pierce County Journal team. McLoone expanded the Prescott Journal to encompass the entire county in 2020 to combat the news desert that occurred when another local paper merged with a Minnesota publication.

For the first year, McLoone was a one-man show, covering events and meetings across the county, selling ads, and laying out western Wisconsin’s fastest growing newspaper. His team has since expanded to include son Jack as advertising director, daughter-in-law Chelsey as operations manager, Sarah Nigbor as editor; Melissa Thorud, Reagan Hoverman and Riley Dorau as reporters, Jeff Bjork as community outreach/ad sales, Nancy Price as graphic designer and a slew of columnists.

McLoone, who publishes the Stanley Republican, also launched two brand new papers in Hastings and Cottage Grove, Minn. His dedication to providing local news to readers stems from his upbringing in the news business. His father, Edward “Scoop” McLoone ran a group of newspapers and gave John his start in the business.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the chamber and our readers,” McLoone said. “Everyone has been supportive and welcoming. We’re proud to be your local newspaper.”

CEO & President Nate Boettcher accepted the Large Business of the Year award for Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services.

This year, PPCS launched SwiftCurrent Connect high-speed broadband in order to help its members “Live Better.” The project’s first phase brought 175 miles of fiber to 1,500 homes over a period of six months. The first customer experienced their new lightning-fast connection on Jan. 31. A total of 800 miles of fiber will brings fiber high-speed internet to more than 5,500 homes and businesses across Pierce, Pepin and St. Croix counties.

Boettcher joked that while “fiber fixes everything,” it unfortunately will not lower people’s taxes. However, he called providing high-speed internet service to unserved and underserved residents and businesses “transformational,” much like electricity was in the 1930s.

“If I could snap my fingers, I would get broadband into every home,” Boettcher said.

Lastly, Bauer presented the Community Leader Award to Tony Birkel, a long-time Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery employee who has spear-headed fundraising for the new Ellsworth Public Library building project.

“Tony is a true testament to people willing to expand their boundaries,” Bauer said. “He exemplifies what a leader really is. He is the spirit of asking, challenging yourself and working toward new horizons.”

Birkel, along with Jack Hines, made phone calls and scheduled face-to-face meetings with community businesses and families to secure donations for the library project, which many thought was an insurmountable dream. He has overseen the raising of nearly $600,000 in donations and future pledges; with grants, fundraising events, online donations, Library Board appropriations and funds, and Village Board support, the project has raised more than $1.7 million.

“When Pual asked me to do this, (my wife) Roxy reminded me that I’ve lived in the community my whole life and worked in it for 45-plus years,” Birkel said. “The community will never grow if we don’t get involved. Everything will stay the same.”

He was humbled by the generosity of the community.

“It was so nice to watch … the donations were so generous. I couldn’t believe it,” Birkel said.