The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce showed that business can be a lot like sports at its Annual Awards Banquet on Monday, Feb. 19 at Kilkarney Hills in River Falls.

The “Game Time” theme of the event was fitting, as it celebrated the home runs hit, the slam dunks and the touchdowns scored by the successful local business community.

Some “heavy hitters” picked up the chamber awards. Picked as the Large Business of the Year was Nilssen’s Foods. Small Business of the Year went to Waltz Ace Hardware. Batting cleanup was Community Leader of the Year Becky Beissel.

Chamber President Paul Bauer of the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery urged business owners and guests to remain positive and continue to “nudge” the community forward, despite some detractors wanting to see the worst in things. He said people need to go to the source for information and not trust what’s being spun on social media.

“If you really need information, talk to someone. That’s the proper way to get that information,” he said, referring to the Ellsworth School District’s referendum initiative on the April 2 ballot.

“Talk to Barry (Superintendent Barry Cain), talk to the school board. Don’t rely on the rumor mill that’s out there. They’re always nice people. They’re willing to answer your questions,” said Bauer.

He urged the group to “say no to misinformation.”

“We will win as a community because we will stand together,” he said.

Large Business of the Year – Nilssen’s Foods

“Nilssen’s Foods stands as a beacon of community resilience and dedication in Ellsworth,” the award nomination stated.

The company was founded in 1903 by C.J.E. Nilssen. Through generations of the family, it has grown “from a humble general store to a cornerstone of the local economy.”

The Nilssen’s network boasts stores across Wisconsin and Minnesota. In Ellsworth, they employ 56 people.

“Driven by the vision of owners Jason and Teresa Nilssen, the expansion of the Nilssen’s Foods family has brought essential services and employment opportunities to smaller communities, like Ellsworth. Their recent store remodel in 2019 expanded their offerings to the community to include a full liquor department and Caribou Coffee,” the award nomination states. “When the community’s only pharmacy closed, they halted their remodeling and worked their network of contacts to add a pharmacy into their plans, ensuring this essential service was preserved in Ellsworth. These are just a few examples reflecting their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of their customers.
“Under the leadership of manager Shawn Eggen and his dedicated team, Nilssen’s Foods embodies the spirit of community stewardship and support. Their unwavering dedication to providing high-quality products, personalized service, and innovative solutions, such as the Perks mobile app and home delivery services, demonstrates a steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Ellsworth residents. Beyond providing essential goods, Nilssen’s Foods actively engages with the Ellsworth community through generous donations to fundraisers, community projects, and initiatives, including the new Ellsworth 
Public Library project and the Cheese Curd Festival.”

Small Business of the Year – Waltz Ace Hardware

According to the nomination, “Waltz Ace Hardware is an example of small business excellence and community dedication.”

Casey Waltz started working at then-True Value Hardware at the age of 14. When owner Wayne Lundgaard decided to retire, “Casey seized the opportunity to continue the store’s legacy.”

“The transition to Waltz Ace Hardware in 2022 brought with it a renewed commitment to providing exceptional service and high-quality products to the residents of Ellsworth. Casey’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of his customers can be found in the store’s extensive product offerings and personalized approach to customer service. Whether helping customers find the right tools and supplies for their home improvement projects or providing expert advice and assistance, Casey and his team go above and beyond to share their knowledge and ensure a positive experience for every customer.”

Casey and wife, Kayla, also go above and beyond in supporting the Ellsworth community.

Community Leader of the Year – Becky Beissel

Perhaps no one more embodies the term “community leader” than Becky Beissel. She serves as village president and is co-owner of Limelight Social Media, as well as being a co-director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce.

The nomination states, “When your favorite T-shirt proudly proclaims, ‘I love my village,’ you know it’s more than just a slogan—it’s a heartfelt commitment. Becky channels her entrepreneurial spirit into initiatives that uplift and empower her hometown.
“Her enthusiasm and dedication towards the betterment of Ellsworth can be seen in her involvement in various community endeavors. She isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty, literally - pulling out the teller line at the old BMO Bank in preparation for the Library Gala, painting buildings in East Ellsworth, clearing trails at Cairns Woods, or spending the day scraping paint from a local resident’s home during Habitat for Humanity’s Rock the Block,” according to the nomination. “In 2019, Becky applied for and received an AARP Community Challenge Grant for a placemaking push in the East End business district. The funding brought community volunteers together, Becky among them, to beautify Broadway Street. Painted facades, landscaping, benches, flowers, artwork, light pole banners, the East End Parklet, and even garbage cans, were a result of this funding, which was the first large investment into the district in over a decade. The initiative inspired Pop Up Ellsworth later than fall, and the occupancy of two previously vacant commercial properties, which are still in operation today.
“Becky also played a pivotal role in transforming the Cheese Curd Festival into a premier regional tourism event, showcasing the best of what Ellsworth has to offer. She advocates for Ellsworth’s interests during an annual Legislative Day in Madison, ensuring that the voice of our community is heard at the state level. Additionally, her contributions to the Ellsworth YES! Committee have been instrumental in passing several referenda for the Ellsworth School District, fostering a brighter future for local students. Over the years, Becky has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through her fundraising expertise and grant-writing efforts for our library, Chamber, St. Francis School, and more.
An Ellsworth native who has worked harder than anyone for the community, Beissel said, “I’ve never felt stuck here, I felt that I was planted here.” 

Best Of awards

The community selected its favorite local businesses through two rounds of voting online, resulting in the 2024 Best Of awards. They are as follows:

Best New Business: Studio 2.0 Hair Salon

Best Restaurant, Bar, Tavern: The Thirsty Badger

Best Ellsworth Tourism Destination: Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Best Health & Wellness: Ellsworth Area Ambulance Service

Best Professional Service: WESTconsin Credit Union

Best Professional Home Service: Reuvers’ Nursery

Best Retail Shopping: Wild Arrows Boutique

Best Non-Profit/Civic Group: Ellsworth Public Library

Best Customer Service: River Road Coffee