PCEDC honors business, community standouts of the year

Posted 5/13/26

RIVER FALLS - The annual Pierce County Economic Deveopment Corporation Awards Breakfast recognized the 2026 award winners Thursday, May 7 at Junior's Restaurant & Tap House in River Falls.

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PCEDC honors business, community standouts of the year

The late Jack Hines was awarded the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation's annual Cornerstone award, the organization’s highest honor for an individual who demonstrates "extraordinary leadership and long-standing dedication” toward Pierce County’s future. Hines’ family accepted the award on his behalf at the annual recognition breakfast, held May 7 in River Falls.

The late Jack Hines was awarded the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation's annual Cornerstone award, the organization’s highest honor for an individual who demonstrates "extraordinary leadership and long-standing dedication” toward Pierce County’s future. Hines’ family accepted the award on his behalf at the annual recognition breakfast, held May 7 in River Falls.

Andrew Harrington / Pierce County Journal

Bevcomm Executive Director Bill Eckles received the Professional Business Leader award, given to the professional firm demonstrating innovation and excellence toward Pierce County’s business climate. CEO Jake Anderson spoke on Eckles’ behalf as he could not attend the event.

Bevcomm Executive Director Bill Eckles received the Professional Business Leader award, given to the professional firm demonstrating innovation and excellence toward Pierce County’s business climate. CEO Jake Anderson spoke on Eckles’ behalf as he could not attend the event.

Andrew Harrington / Pierce County Journal

Megan and David Gooselaw of River Road Coffee accepted the Small Business of the Year award May 7. Megan spoke about the journey of taking the jump to start a business, a risk that was worth it and then some in the long run.

Megan and David Gooselaw of River Road Coffee accepted the Small Business of the Year award May 7. Megan spoke about the journey of taking the jump to start a business, a risk that was worth it and then some in the long run.

Andrew Harrington / Pierce County Journal

The Crystal Cave crew was awarded the Tourism & Hospitality trophy for work that enhances the county’s appeal for visitors’ experience and showcases the unique region.

The Crystal Cave crew was awarded the Tourism & Hospitality trophy for work that enhances the county’s appeal for visitors’ experience and showcases the unique region.

Andrew Harrington / Pierce County Journal

Foley, a turf company based in Prescott, was given the Economic Boost award for a project that has generated economic impact through job creation, impact or business attraction.

Foley, a turf company based in Prescott, was given the Economic Boost award for a project that has generated economic impact through job creation, impact or business attraction.

Andrew Harrington / Pierce County Journal

The PCEDC Board at the Annual Awards Breakfast. The board members are President Nate Boettcher (PPCS), Vice President Dan Lytle (CVTC), Secretary-Treasurer Dawn Hukai (UWRF), Tara Buechner (WESTconsin Credit Union), Raynee Farrell (CCF Bank), Megan Hausch (United Way), Michaela Gullicksen (Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery), Megan Boldig (Xcel Energy), Kris Sampson (Pierce County Board), Stephanie Sautter Stark (WestCAP), Erik Thompson (Pillar Bank) and Sharon Seibel (J&S Machine).

The PCEDC Board at the Annual Awards Breakfast. The board members are President Nate Boettcher (PPCS), Vice President Dan Lytle (CVTC), Secretary-Treasurer Dawn Hukai (UWRF), Tara Buechner (WESTconsin Credit Union), Raynee Farrell (CCF Bank), Megan Hausch (United Way), Michaela Gullicksen (Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery), Megan Boldig (Xcel Energy), Kris Sampson (Pierce County Board), Stephanie Sautter Stark (WestCAP), Erik Thompson (Pillar Bank) and Sharon Seibel (J&S Machine).

Andrew Harrington / Pierce County Journal

Posted Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:44 pm

Staff report

RIVER FALLS - The annual Pierce County Economic Development Corporation Awards Breakfast recognized the 2026 award winners Thursday, May 7 at Junior's Restaurant & Tap House in River Falls.

Awards winners included:

Cornerstone Award: The late Jack Hines, the organization's highest honor for an individual who demonstrates extraordinary leadership and long-standing dedication to Pierce County's future.

Professional Business Leader Award: Bevcomm is a fourth generation, family owned communications company founded in 1895 providing telephone, internet, video surveillance, managed IT, web and cabling solutions throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Small Business of the Year: River Road Coffee, owned and operated by Megan & David Gooselaw, is a mobile coffee café offering specialty espresso drinks, fresh brewed coffee, teas, handcrafted cold brew, flavored lemonades, bakery items and more.

Tourism & Hospitality Award: Crysal Cave in Spring Valley, home to Wisconsin's longest cave, multiple tour options, mini golf, gem panning, prairie habitat and more.

Economic Boost Award: Foley Company in Prescott, established in 1934, has a long-standing tradition of innovation and excellence in manufacturing high-quality grinding equipment for the turf industry.

To learn more about events and resources, visit pcedc.com

Keywords

Pierce County EDC, 2026 Awards Breakfast, Jack Hines, Bevcomm, River Road Coffee, Crystal Cave, Foley Company, Pierce County, Wisconsin